Wa-Nee administrators propose moving graduation to Sunday after last school day to avoid conflicts

High school administration presented a proposal to schedule commencement on the Sunday after the last day of school to avoid conflicts with state track meets and to give families time for ceremonies and photos.

Weston, a high school administrator, told the board he incorporated feedback from coaches and others and recommended holding graduation on the Sunday after the last school day (historically Memorial Day weekend). He said the window is tight for staff and organizers but workable and cited a desire to avoid forcing student-athletes to choose between competitions and graduation.

Board members discussed start times, weighing earlier (around 2 p.m.) start times that give families time before and after ceremonies against later starts to avoid conflicts with church services. One board member said schedule choices will not perfectly satisfy every family but favored an earlier time to help with post-ceremony activities. Staff agreed to propose a specific time and notify the board.

Why it matters: Graduation scheduling affects families, religious observances in the community and student-athletes competing in postseason events. The board's decision on timing will influence logistics for staff, volunteers and community members.

Next steps: Staff will work with high school administration to set a specific start time and return with that information to the board for final confirmation.