Northborough committee signals preference for calendar Option 5 but delays formal vote

Committee members discussed a newly introduced calendar "Option 5," which moves some professional development days so they do not fall on Yom Kippur or Eid and keeps the student last day at June 17. Administration noted the shifts would move some educator PD days to August 27–31 and would not change the last day of school for students.

Members debated whether to take a binding vote tonight or wait for Southborough and the regional committee to consider adding Option 5 to their upcoming agendas. After discussion, the committee opted not to cast a formal vote; instead members recorded a nonbinding consensus favoring Option 5 and asked administration to communicate that preference to neighboring committees. Committee leaders noted logistical concerns about busing and shared services if districts diverge on calendar choices.

Administration outlined next dates for related meetings: Southborough School Committee (Feb. 11), Regional School Committee (Feb. 25), and the next Northborough meeting (March 2). Members said they would revisit the calendar option in March if the regional and Southborough committees add the item to their agendas.