The School Committee continued its listening tour Thursday regarding the school calendar, hearing from residents and students concerned about the removal of some religious observances.

No vote was taken.

Chair Kyla McSweeney started off the session by saying the school district was comprised of a diverse community, and the committee wanted to respect all cultures and religions.

She also pointed out the impact of the Hopkinton Teachers Association three-year contract, which stipulates teachers start school on the Monday before Labor Day, students start on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and everyone gets Friday off that week.

McSweeney noted the MetroWest YMCA has child care available on holidays at $76 per day.

The issue of the school calendar was raised earlier this year because some residents feel the school year ends too late.

If the calendar remains the same as this school year, future end dates will be June 18, June 22, June 15 and June 18, without snow days.

With 1-5 snow days, the end dates would be June 22-26, June 23-29, June 16-23 and June 20-24.

The question is whether to have only a dozen state-mandated holidays off and end earlier in June, or stick with the calendar that was changed in 2022 to be more inclusive of different religions and cultures.

Resident Asima Silva spoke about inclusivity and equity, saying it would be unfair to remove holidays such as Eid-al-Fitr from the calendar and keep Christmas and Rosh Hashanah.

She also said students can’t enjoy the holiday if they are stressed and anxious about falling behind in class and making up schoolwork.

Silva urged the committee not to give preference to one religious group over another and added that in a global economy, students should be exposed to and respect various cultures.

Student Asiya Silva, president of the Muslim Student Association, said Muslim students already feel “unheard and unrepresented” and are subjected to microaggressions and Islamaphobia.

She said graduation and the last day of finals have been held in the past in conflict with Eid-al-Adha.

She said it would be fairer to have each major religion choose two holiday observances.

Student Hasika Chauhan shared how happy she and her friends were when Diwali, “a celebration of lights,” was added to the calendar, calling the nine-day festival “a huge thing” and one of many Hindu observances that is culturally significant.

She said the celebration is comparable to Christmas and it would “not be fair at all” if it is removed from the calendar.

Student representative Ella Snyder said she and fellow representative Ryan Click polled students at the high school about the calendar. The consensus was that the students preferred keeping the calendar as is and more inclusive instead of opting for an earlier end date.

Students achieve MCAS milestone

In other business, Superintendent Evan Bishop reported that he and Assistant Superintendent Jeff LaBroad attended the MCAS and Accountability event in Arlington, where they received exciting news.

Hopkinton students in Grades 3-8 in math had the highest MCAS scores either meeting or exceeding expectations of any public schools in the state. Hopkinton also was recognized as one of 63 districts in the state where math scores returned to or surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

Calling it an “incredible achievement,” Bishop added, “It really speaks to the collective efforts of our students, families, K-8 specialists and instructional leaders.”

He said at the next School Committee meeting, LaBroad would present a full report about MCAS results.

Bus contract extended

The committee also approved a current contract with Michael J. Connolly & Sons for bus transportation for two additional one-year extensions in fiscal year 2027 and FY 28.

The current rates are $469 for two-tier buses (serving more than one school) and $454 for one-tier buses. The rate will increase to $498 for two-tier buses and $483 for one-tier buses in FY 27 and to $529 for two-tier buses and $514 for one-tier buses in FY27.

Assistant Superintendent Susan Rothermich said Connolly typically is the only bidder and has been responsive to the district’s needs.

HHS to host gymnastics co-op

Bishop noted the athletic department wants to host an already existing gymnastics co-op team this winter. Medway, the current host, withdrew because it does not have participants. Holliston and Millis will remain in the co-op, and there is a facility and coach in place, Bishop said.

It makes sense for Hopkinton to host the team as it has 80% of the members. In addition, there are seven rising ninth graders and potentially five other high school students who want to join the team, according to the superintendent.

The total cost of $14,889 includes facility rental ($2,400), head coach stipend ($6,530), assistant coach stipend ($5,079) and officials for four home meets ($880).

The costs of the facility and officials will come out of the contracted services account, and the costs of the stipends will come out of the athletic revolving account.

Fees from Holliston and Millis as well as the student athletes will offset the total, Bishop said.