Marlborough School Committee moves to cut early release days from six to four

MARLBOROUGH -- April 25, 2023, Marlborough School Committee leans toward cutting professional-development early release days from six to four. Superintendent Mary Murphy presented attendance data from five completed FY23 half days against eight comparable full days, conceding "fewer students attend school on early release days," and laid out options including converting Oct. 18 and Jan. 10 to delayed openings. Member Katherine Hennessey said proceeding "with the six days as is is not the answer," while member Dan Matthews noted six half days effectively give students "six absences" against district attendance thresholds. The committee also unanimously approved $318,250 in FY23 transfers, including $194,000 from in-district special education transportation to cover out-of-district transportation, McKinney-Vento costs, and tutors. Director of Finance Doug Diaz reported the Jaworek Elementary HVAC bid drew no general contractor and that ESSER II funds expire Sept. 30.