SPENCER, MA – Superintendent Paul Haughey announced today that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has officially granted a waiver to the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District regarding the 180-day school year requirement.
In a letter dated March 27, 2026, Commissioner of Education Pedro Martinez (acting on behalf of the Department) approved the district’s request to reduce the instructional year by three days for the 2025-2026 calendar year. The waiver was requested following the emergency cancellation of classes at David Prouty High School due to a significant burst pipe in late December of 2025.
Under the terms of the approval:
The instructional requirement for the current school year is adjusted to 177 days.
The final day of school for students at David Prouty High School is now scheduled for June 18, 2026.
“We appreciate the Commissioner’s understanding of the unique challenges posed by this facility emergency,” said Superintendent Haughey. “This waiver allows our district to maintain a firm closing date for the year while ensuring we continue to provide a high-quality educational experience for our students.”
For further information regarding the revised academic calendar, please visit the district website.