Scituate School Committee Approves Early Start for 2025-2026 Academic Year
Students to begin classes August 27, 2025; FY26 budget approved without override
SCITUATE - February 10 - The Scituate School Committee voted 3-2 to approve starting the 2025-2026 school year before Labor Day, marking a significant shift in the district's traditional calendar. Students will begin classes on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, with the last day of school potentially falling earlier in June to avoid conflicts with the Juneteenth holiday.
The decision came after extensive discussion during the Feb. 10, 2025, meeting, where committee members weighed various factors including academic benefits, family vacation plans, and the impact on extracurricular activities.
Assitant Superintendent Ryan Lynch presented the updated calendar proposal, which included staff returning on Aug. 25 and 26 for professional development days. The first two days for students will be Aug. 27 and 28, with no school on Aug. 29.
Committee member Maria Fenwick, who initially proposed the early start, expressed concerns about potential disruptions for families who may have already made plans based on the traditional post-Labor Day start.
"I know that some people have already made plans, assuming that we would follow the same patterns we've always followed," Fenwick said. "I just worry that this particular year stands to be disruptive at the beginning of the school year with kids who are going to miss those days."
Despite these concerns, the majority of the committee voted in favor of the change, citing benefits such as more productive learning days in September compared to June and the ability to end the school year before Juneteenth.
The committee also approved moving a professional development day from Nov. 4 to Nov. 10, 2025, to create a four-day weekend for families.
In a separate vote, the School Committee unanimously approved the fiscal year 2026 budget without requiring an override. The budget was praised for its transparency and alignment with district goals.
"I want to thank you for having this no override, just a great budget," member Janice Lindblom said, comparing it favorably to the difficulties faced by surrounding communities.
Superintendent Bill Burkhead emphasized the budget's transparency and invited community members to review the information, which will be posted online.
"One of the things we pride ourselves on is the transparency of our budget," Burkhead said. "We're again happy to have any conversations with members, staff, about our budget and open it up to the community."
The approved budget will be presented to the Select Board and advisory board in upcoming meetings. A comprehensive summary, known as the "Blue Book," will be available to the community by the first week of March.
In other business, the committee heard a presentation from Kate Ciulla, the world language department chair, on the district's language programs. Ciulla reported significant growth in the number of students earning the Seal of Biliteracy, a state designation recognizing proficiency in two or more languages.
"Last year, class of 2024, we awarded 17 students on stage with the seal of biliteracy medal. This year, it will be at least 19," Ciulla said.
The committee also discussed potential changes to the district's competency determination policy following the passage of Question 2, which eliminated the MCAS test as a graduation requirement. A new policy is being developed to ensure all students have a clear path to graduation.
As the meeting concluded, committee members requested future agenda items, including an update on Wi-Fi and networking improvements in district schools.