Key Points

  • Wilton’s Board of Education scheduled the 2027 high school graduation nearly a year in advance, giving families more time to plan.
  • District officials presented a proposal to raise school lunch prices because of higher food, supply and labor costs.
  • Officials said the district expects to continue announcing future graduation dates well in advance.

Why It Matters: The earlier graduation schedule provides families with greater certainty, while the proposed lunch price changes could affect students and parents across every Wilton school. 

Before taking a summer hiatus, the Wilton Board of Education took steps to prepare for the 2026-27 school year, including setting the 2027 high school graduation date nearly a year in advance. The board also heard a proposal for an increase in school lunch prices. 

The board approved scheduling the Wilton High School graduation ceremony for Saturday, June 12, 2027, giving Class of 2027 families nearly a year to plan for their children’s final school year and allowing WHS administrators and PTA officials to set their preparations in motion as well.

“That was something that I was thinking about,” Wilton School Superintendent Kevin Smith said in a recent phone interview.  “Just being able to lock that day on a calendar, I think, is a win-win for everybody.”

The board used to wait until April 1 each year before committing to a graduation date to accommodate for any inclement weather school cancellations, Smith added. However, Connecticut law allows local boards of education to set a fixed high school graduation date as long as it falls no earlier than the 180th day of the originally adopted school calendar, according to the statute. 

According to the 2026-2027 calendar, the last day of school is scheduled for June 11, 2027. 

“If there is weather or other things that impact the calendar, you don’t have to move the graduation date, as long as it’s after the 180th day [on the adopted calendar],” Smith said. 

Smith said adding that graduation date to the calendar will become part of the routine for the district going forward. 

Increase to School Lunch Charge Proposed 

The school board also heard a proposal to increase the cost of school lunches by $0.25 at Miller-Driscoll, Cider Mill, Middlebrook and Wilton High Schools. The school lunch program is self-funded, officials said. 

Under the plan presented by district Chief Financial Officer Laila E. Rudinas:

  • Miller-Driscoll and Cider Mill lunches would increase to $3.50 per meal ($2.75 entree only)
  • Middlebrook meals would increase to $4–$5 per meal
  • Wilton High School meals would increase to $4–$6 per meal

“The increase is needed because of the rising cost of food, supplies and labor,” Rudinas wrote in her proposal letter. “We increased elementary prices two years ago, and have not increased the secondary prices in several years.”

Rudinas estimated the proposed increases range from about 4.3% to 7.7%. 

Chartwells operates the district’s food service and lunch program. Smith said even with the increase the prices are comparable to other districts. 

Smith added the district is focused on offering students the most nutritional meal choices. 

“That’s a sincere commitment,” Smith said. “We’re really interested in providing healthier options for kids.”

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Aug. 20.