FHS graduation set for May 21, 2023

FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield Community School Board has approved an early high school graduation date for 2023.

Normally held in June, the school board voted at its meeting Monday to hold the 2023 high school graduation on Sunday, May 21. The seniors’ last day will be May 19.

Fairfield School Superintendent Laurie Noll said that, though snow days would extend the school year for every other grade, they are irrelevant for seniors.

“I keep hearing about the big winter this year, but even if we go through June 1, the seniors’ last day would stay May 19 and graduation on the 21st,” she told the board.

Noll said the early graduation date would mean a “quick turnaround” for teachers to submit grades, but added that she thought it would work with advanced notice.

The alternative would be to hold graduation the following week, but that is Memorial Day weekend. Board member Kelly Scott noted that the Ottumwa School District, where he works, moved up its graduation date as well to avoid holding it on Memorial Day weekend.

“There are two schools of thought on that,” he said. “Having a three-day weekend gives people from out of town a chance to come in [for graduation], but if you have plans, it screws up your plans for the holiday weekend.”

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com