School committee approves 2026–27 calendar after debate on start date and AP timing

The Newburyport City School Committee voted Wednesday to approve the 2026–27 school calendar as presented while agreeing to continue discussions about moving the start date earlier in future years to help students and teachers prepare for AP exams.

Vice chair Walker moved to approve the revised calendar, which included one minor change in June — a bracketed extra snow day — and the motion carried after a second. Committee members emphasized that the calendar before them was not substantially changed from the prior draft and that the revisions were procedural.

Several members said an earlier start could ease AP exam preparation and avoid conflicts with Juneteenth. "Starting sooner could give students two more days ahead of AP exams," one member said, noting teachers often make up instructional time. The superintendent cautioned that any shift in start date would require negotiations with the teachers union because it touches contract terms and professional-development scheduling.

Committee members asked staff to convene a steering conversation with teachers, administrators and representatives in the fall to consider a longer-term calendar change well ahead of the 2027–28 calendar decision. Members also noted the need for advance notice to families and potential impacts on childcare and summer scheduling.

With no amendments proposed at Wednesday's meeting, the committee approved the calendar and will revisit the start-date issue in the fall with stakeholder input and union discussions.