Hull School Committee Sets Pre-Labor Day Start for 2026-27
Eyes Return of International Exchange Program
HULL - January 12, 2026 - The Hull School Committee voted unanimously Monday night to approve the 2026-2027 academic calendar, confirming a school start date prior to Labor Day, while also greenlighting a proposal to reintroduce international exchange students to the district after a hiatus of several years.
The Full Story
2026-2027 Calendar Approval The Committee approved a calendar that will see staff return on Monday, August 31, 2026, for professional development, with students reporting for their first day on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Superintendent Michael Jette acknowledged that while some families prefer a start after Labor Day, the schedule allows for a “soft start” with a two-day week before the holiday weekend, helping students ease into the routine.
“It’s a nice way for the kids to ease into it after having that time off... it’s a nice way for the teachers to have that continuity,” said Maura Jones, representing the Hull Teachers Association. The calendar also accounts for the MIAA fall sports schedule, which begins August 24, effectively ending summer for student-athletes regardless of the academic start date. The last day of school is tentatively scheduled for June 17, 2027, barring snow days.
Global Connections Returning Superintendent Jette also announced plans to revitalize Hull’s international student program, aiming to host approximately five students for the 2026-2027 school year. Noting that Hull has not hosted international students in recent memory, Jette emphasized the cultural value they bring to the district.
“This would be a nice way to bring some diversity into the school... honestly, any student internationally who looks up Hull on a map is going to say that’s a great location,” Jette said. The district is partnering with an agency to handle vetting and visas and is actively seeking host families. The high school student group PHI (Project Humanitarian International) will serve as ambassadors to welcome the arriving students.
Jacobs School Spotlight: Leadership A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a “Jacobs Happenings” presentation led by Principal Kyle Shaw, focused on the theme of leadership. The presentation featured the Elementary and Middle School Student Councils and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).
Students took the podium to articulate their vision of leadership. Luke, the student council treasurer, delivered a standout message:
“To me, leadership isn’t about being the loudest. It’s not about being in charge. It’s about being someone other people can count on. It’s about doing the right thing when nobody is giving you a reward for it.” — Luke, Student Council Treasurer .
The NJHS members outlined their commitment to the society’s five pillars—scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship—highlighting projects like the school food drive and an upcoming mitten drive.
Strategic Planning Shift Chair Kyle Conley and Vice Chair Liliana Hedrick led a discussion on a new framework for district governance, introducing a “guardrails” system to guide the Superintendent’s work. The Committee is moving toward a 5-year strategic plan, which will be the subject of a workshop with MASC representative Sean Costello on February 23.
The proposed model aligns district goals from the “Vision of the Graduate” down to classroom-level outcomes. The Committee discussed reorganizing subcommittees to align with five proposed guardrails: Equity and Student Opportunity, Budget Solvency, Staff Experience, Community Engagement, and Legal Compliance .
Other News
Nature’s Classroom: The Committee unanimously approved the Grade 6 overnight field trip to Nature’s Classroom in Charlton, MA, scheduled for June 8-10, 2026. Teacher Heather Weber highlighted the trip’s focus on independence and team building.
Safety Training: Dr. Jette reported that staff at Jacobs School and Hull High School are undergoing tourniquet training provided by Hull Fire, adding a critical tool to the district’s emergency response capabilities.
Why It Matters
The calendar decision directly impacts family planning for late August vacations and childcare. By locking in the dates now, the district provides certainty for the upcoming year. Furthermore, the return of the international student program signals a shift toward broader cultural engagement, potentially offering current Hull students a more globally connected classroom experience without additional cost to the district, as these students fill existing open seats.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Approval of Meeting Agenda
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous
Approval of Minutes (Dec 15 Open Session)
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous
Approval of Nature’s Classroom Field Trip (Grade 6)
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous
Approval of 2026-2027 School Calendar
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous
Motion to Adjourn
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous
Public Comment
No specific input from the public was offered on agenda items during the designated time.
What’s Next
February 23: The School Committee will hold a workshop at 5:00 PM with MASC representative Sean Costello to work on goal setting and the strategic plan.
January 26: Next regular meeting. Dr. Jette is expected to present draft goals for Committee review.
Host Family Search: The district will begin advertising for families interested in hosting international students for the fall.