Three school committees create joint subcommittee to review holiday calendars

LINCOLN — April 9, 2025 — Three districts launch joint review of holiday calendars after Eid and Diwali requests. Lincoln, Sudbury and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School committees voted unanimously April 9 to create a tri-district subcommittee with two appointees from each body. LS Chair Robby Simon said the districts need "criteria" and "a rationale" for which holidays appear on the calendar. More than seven residents urged adding Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Diwali; LS senior Lina Al-Muntasur said missing school for Eid leaves Muslim students feeling "isolated and ignored." Lincoln Superintendent Parry Graham reported that of five holidays studied over three years, only Good Friday produced an appreciable absence spike, nearing 15 percent. Sudbury averages roughly 120 absences daily; LS sees 40 to 80 of 1,445 students. The 2025-26 calendars, already approved, are not in scope.