Williamsville board approves 2026'27 calendar, rejects earlier start
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Summary
After reviewing 1,706 family survey responses and student input, the Williamsville Central School District Board approved the 2026'27 student calendar with a Sept. 8 start. An amendment to begin Sept. 1 failed in the final approval vote.
The Williamsville Central School District Board of Education voted to approve the district's 2026'27 student calendar as presented, keeping the first student day on Sept. 8.
Dr. Balen, assistant superintendent for instruction, told the board the district received 1,706 parent and guardian survey responses and 769 responses to a Williamville Teachers Association faculty survey, and said, "Option 1 received 56 more responses" but that the difference was "statistically insignificant." The board heard that both surveys leaned slightly toward Option 1 but that there was no strong consensus.
Ms. Poulin, speaking for students consulted through SIAC and student board members, said, "please know that all of the students that I talked to were definitely in favor of starting school on September 1 so that they could have the December 23 and the November 25 off." Several other board members said the student feedback represented a small sample and urged a broader school-by-school survey next year.
Board members debated trade-offs including aligning with Erie 1 BOCES, childcare and YMCA transportation on proposed off days, and the late timing of Regents exams. Multiple members urged the district to press BOCES and regional partners to start their calendar-setting process earlier so districts can gather more robust input.
A motion to amend the calendar to start school on Sept. 1 (and to make Nov. 25 and Dec. 23 days off) was moved and seconded; the amendment carried on the first vote question (members recorded in favor included Ms. Poulin, Mr. Amana and Ms. Fletch). On the final motion to approve the calendar as presented (Sept. 8 start), the motion carried. Board members recorded in support included Dr. Spicer, Dr. Singh, Ms. Bleckinger, Mr. Buellen, Mr. Manheim, Ms. Glutch and Mr. Viscalia; Parliamentarian Poulin was recorded opposed. There were no abstentions.
The board did not identify additional policy changes; next steps on the calendar are the routine follow-ups in April and at the May budget hearing and vote.
