East Haven board debates 2026–27 calendar, weighs moving K–5 conferences to October; no vote

At its Feb. 10 meeting the East Haven School Board discussed two draft versions of the 2026–27 school calendar but took no formal action, asking administration to gather additional feedback.

Administration presented Version 1 (largely a carryover of the current calendar) and Version 2 (which shifts K–5 and academy parent‑teacher conferences from November into October and pairs a second conference in March). Board members raised pros and cons: several members, including Lynn, said October conferences would allow earlier connection between families and teachers and give families more time to act on early‑year assessments. "You can really get to know the parent, the family dynamic, if there's anything special that you need to know about the child," Lynn said in support of moving conferences to October.

Discussion ranged beyond conference timing. Members debated whether the district is required to observe Presidents' Day, whether February or April vacation weeks could be reconfigured to reduce lost instructional days, and whether synchronizing vacation weeks with neighboring districts matters for families and athletics. Several members asked administration to compare surrounding districts’ calendars before returning a final recommendation.

The board also discussed larger scheduling ideas raised in the meeting—such as a year‑round or pilot calendar model for a single school—but members said those structural changes would require extensive study, community engagement and partnerships for year‑round child care before any action.

Other business: by general consent the board accepted the Jan. 13 meeting minutes. At the opening of the meeting Speaker 5 (Michelle) invited anyone interested in serving as the CABE liaison; Miss DePalma volunteered and the chair accepted that offer. The board adjourned after agreeing to continue calendar exploration and collect feedback for a future vote.