School committee approves 2026–27 calendar after public appeals for equity and predictability

The Woburn School Committee approved the 2026–27 school calendar after hearing public comment urging the committee to prioritize family routines and equitable access to transportation.

Christy Nickerson, president of the Woburn Teachers Association, told the committee that "the school calendar shapes daily life for students and families" and urged collaboration to reduce lost instructional time and the harm caused by frequent early-release days. Parent speaker Rachel Cooberry asked the district to reopen transportation-policy conversations to ensure equitable bus access — including for school-sponsored activities such as youth band — and to identify and publicize safe walking and biking routes.

Superintendent Crowley said the calendar reflects the contractual requirement for teacher start dates and confirms all students will attend 180 days. Key changes include a teacher start before Labor Day and minor day-count edits. Committee members discussed whether to label Good Friday by name and raised the broader goal of using inclusive language for holiday designations; the chair said the committee would vote on days on or off and that any change to wording could be handled administratively after the vote.

After discussion and a motion to approve, the calendar was adopted by voice vote. The committee asked administration to research inclusive naming conventions for the March holiday and to provide additional detail to families about half-day scheduling and preschool impacts on Wednesday half days.

The committee also noted ongoing calendar-related correspondence from multiple community members and agreed to continue dialogue during upcoming negotiations and communications.