HANOVER — Jan 28, 2026 — The Hanover School Committee has officially set the start dates for the 2026-2027 school year, opting for a pre-Labor Day start to maintain a consistent instructional pace. Students in grades 1-12 will report on Monday, August 31, 2026, a move aimed at aligning the district with surrounding towns and ensuring a timely end to the academic year in June.
The Full Story
In a session focused heavily on future planning, the Committee prioritized the finalization of next year’s school start dates to allow families and staff sufficient time for preparation. Superintendent Matthew Ferron emphasized that while Labor Day falls late in 2026, starting after the holiday would significantly push the last day of school toward late June, complicating payroll and summer transitions. The approved schedule brings staff in on Wednesday, August 26, with students following on August 31. To ease the transition, the district will observe a four-day weekend around Labor Day, with no school on Friday, September 4, or Monday, September 7.
The meeting also featured a celebration of student achievement. Middle School Principal Mr. Birolini introduced Addison, who was recently selected as Hanover Middle School’s Project 351 Ambassador. Addison was recognized for her leadership and kindness, having recently attended a conference at the JFK Library to collaborate on state-wide service projects. Additionally, the Hanover High School DECA club reported explosive growth, tripling its membership from 20 to 82 students in just one year. Sixty-seven students competed at the district conference, with 11 students winning trophies and qualifying for the state competition in Boston this March.
Strategic updates dominated the report of the Superintendent, specifically regarding the “reimagining” of school schedules and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). High School Principal Mr. Plummer detailed plans to implement a rotating “waterfall” schedule by September 2026. This model aims to improve equity by ensuring that students do not attend the same difficult classes at the same time every day. Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent Deborah St. Ives presented a mid-year update on AI, noting that while 73% of surveyed students have used AI tools, the district is focusing on a “human-centered” approach rather than immediate mandates.
“Ignoring AI would be irresponsible. We want students to use it effectively and ethically, rather than putting our heads in the sand like some did when social media first emerged.” — Matthew Plummer, HHS Principal
Finally, Finance Director Michael Oates provided a sobering multi-year budget forecast. While the fiscal year 2027 budget remains stable within the town’s 2.75% growth “guardrails,” Oates warned of a projected $1.5 million shortfall by fiscal year 2029. This gap is driven by operational costs, such as collective bargaining and special education, rising at 3.5% annually—outpacing the town’s current appropriation rate.
Why It Matters
For parents, the early vote on the calendar provides certainty for summer planning. For taxpayers, the budget forecast signals that while the district is currently living within its means, structural financial challenges are looming on the three-year horizon that may eventually require town-wide collaboration or new revenue sources.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the January 7, 2026, Open Session meeting minutes.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: To approve the 2026-2027 school start date for students as August 31, 2026.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion: To amend the previous motion to include the staff start dates of August 26 and 27, 2026.
Vote: Unanimous
Public Comment
No members of the public offered comments in person or online during the designated sessions.
What’s Next
Superintendent Ferron will finalize the full 2026-2027 district calendar, including early release days and holidays, for a final committee vote later this winter. The Committee is also scheduled to present its budget to the Hanover Advisory Committee on February 11.
Source Video: Hanover Public Schools Committee Meeting - January 28, 2026