Board approves 2026–27 and 2027–28 calendars; high‑school parent‑teacher timing to be revisited

The New Haven Board of Education voted March 9 to approve the 10‑month district school calendars for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years after administration reported the New Haven Federation of Teachers (NHFT) executive board agreed to the mutual arrangement permitting a start before Labor Day.

Assistant Superintendent Kesha Red Hannons told the board she met with NHFT President Blateau and that the union’s executive board voted to approve the mutual agreement necessary to begin school before Labor Day. The superintendent reiterated the district will return to the board to revisit the scheduling of high‑school parent‑teacher conferences.

Public commenter and high‑school teacher Ben Scott had urged the board to move the second round of high‑school parent‑teacher conferences later in the year to allow more time between conferences for meaningful follow‑ups. Scott said many high‑school teachers found the interval between conferences this year too short and asked the board to consider a small calendar adjustment.

Board member Dr. Joiner asked that any approved calendar be accompanied by signatures from the parties who agreed to the dates to avoid future disputes; the superintendent agreed to prepare a signed cover page after a follow‑up review of high‑school conference timing. Mr. Wilcox moved approval; Dr. Joiner seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

What the vote does: the board’s approval sets the district instructional calendars for the next two school years, subject to any negotiated or formal amendments. Administration will bring back a signed cover page and a review of parent‑teacher conference timing for the high‑school calendar.

Next steps: administration to finalize the signed documentation and return with the conference timing recommendation before finalizing implementation details.