Board approves 2025–27 calendars amid debate over school start dates and Juneteenth observance

The School Board voted to approve the proposed school calendars for 2025–26 and 2026–27 after discussion about start dates and the district’s observance of Juneteenth. The motion to approve, made by Board member Edwin Ferguson and seconded by Frank Barbieri, carried 4–2; Chairwoman Brill and Board member Alexandria Aiella voted against the measure.
Board members raised two main concerns. Chairwoman Brill said many constituents want the academic year to start later in August and announced she would vote against the calendars for that reason. Board member Aiella asked how Juneteenth would be treated in summer programming; Superintendent Michael Burke said the district will treat June 19 as a holiday and close on the workday before the observance — Thursday, June 18, 2025, and Thursday, June 17, 2026 — to avoid scheduling summer school or camps on those dates.
Aiella expressed concern that moving the observed day into a weekday could create childcare challenges for families and asked the district to make the closures clear when promoting summer programs. The board approved the calendars so families and staff can plan in advance.