KINGSTON - January 5, 2026 - The Kingston School Committee unanimously approved the 2026-2027 school calendar on Monday night, officially setting the first day of school for students as Wednesday, September 2. The new schedule strategically aligns professional development days with state election dates to address safety and overcrowding concerns at Kingston Elementary School, which serves as a polling location.
The Full Story
Superintendent Dr. Jill Proulx presented the proposed calendar, which mirrors the current year’s structure but includes key adjustments for election days. The approved schedule designates September 1 and November 3 as in-service days for staff, meaning no school for students. This decision was driven by the need to “facilitate overcrowding at KES” when voters turn out for the state primaries and general election.
“Several of our schools throughout our districts serve as polling and election places, so this is why we’ve scheduled them a little differently this year,” Proulx explained. [20:26]
The calendar establishes a projected last day of school on June 17, 2027, with five snow days built in, extending the potential end date to June 25. School Committee members praised the start date, noting that the Tuesday prior to Labor Day is typically not a school day, so students do not lose learning time with the adjustment. [22:33]
Outdoor Classroom & KES Updates Assistant Principal Jake Galewski provided an enthusiastic update on the Kingston Elementary School (KES) outdoor classroom project. Funded largely by the Kingston Foundation for Education, the school has purchased weather-resistant “polywood” tables to seat two full classrooms, including handicap-accessible options.
Galewski also highlighted the installation of a new wind sock on a 10-foot pole and upcoming additions like see-through planter boxes, which will allow students to observe root systems. “We are also working... for a grant through Kids Gardening... that can help with a lot of the raised beds and the horticultural stuff we want to do,” Galewski noted. [24:55]
Curriculum & Budget Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tricia Clifford reported that the district is moving forward with its literacy and math initiatives. HMH consultants are scheduled to visit schools this month to observe teachers and provide coaching. Additionally, the district has successfully hired a new Title I position to support Grade 2 intervention and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process. [25:32]
On the financial front, Director of Finance Sarah Hickey delivered her “second to final” report before her upcoming retirement, stating there were no significant changes from the previous month. The committee is preparing for a public budget hearing scheduled for February 2. [34:27]
“Our teachers have shown great dedication to implementing [the new math curriculum] and they’re trying their best to do so with great fidelity.” — Jake Galewski, KES Assistant Principal [25:19]
Why It Matters
For Kingston families, the approval of the 2026-2027 calendar allows for long-term planning, particularly regarding childcare for the confirmed September start and November election day closures. The alignment of inservice days with elections directly addresses student safety and building logistics at KES, preventing the chaos of mixing students with voting traffic. Meanwhile, the continued investment in the outdoor classroom and new curriculum pilots signals a district focus on hands-on learning and academic rigor despite upcoming leadership transitions in the finance department.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the consent agenda absent the minutes from December 1st.
Vote: 5-0 ([19:05])
Motion: To approve the minutes from December 1st as amended.
Vote: 5-0 ([19:33])
Motion: To approve the 2026-2027 school calendar as presented.
Vote: 5-0 ([23:18])
Motion: To waive the second reading of policy KBE (Relations with Parent Booster Organizations).
Vote: 5-0 ([35:18])
Motion: To adopt policy KBE.
Vote: 5-0 ([35:34])
Public Comment
Stephanie Nevens, a second-grade teacher at KES, addressed the committee to wish them a Happy New Year. She reported that students returned from break “tired” and “mellow” but that classes have immediately begun reviewing procedures and diving back into academic curriculum and New Year’s resolutions. [17:08]
What’s Next
Jan. 19: No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day).
Jan. 21: Regionalization Committee Meeting.
Feb. 2: Next School Committee Meeting & Public Budget Hearing (6:00 PM).
Feb. 26: Joint School Committee Meeting (Union 31) to vote on shared costs.
Source Video: Kingston Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel