The Celina City Board of Education has approved a midyear move for grades 7 through 12 into the district’s new school building.

The decision came during a special board meeting Thursday evening. Board members voted 3 to 2 to revise the 2026-27 school calendar, allowing students in grades 7 through 12 to be out of session from January 19th through January 22nd of 2027 so the district can complete the move.

The district clarified during the meeting that the calendar change only applies to students in grades 7 through 12. Kindergarten through sixth grade students will not be affected.

Board discussion centered on whether moving during the school year is the right decision for students, staff, and the district as a whole.

District officials said the move is planned around Martin Luther King Jr. Day week, creating what they described as a cleaner break between semesters. The goal would be for students to finish the first semester in the current building and begin the new semester in the new building.

Officials also said the district has enough instructional hours built into the calendar and does not expect the missed days for grades 7 through 12 to need to be made up, barring any major unforeseen issue.

During the meeting, district leaders said they are reasonably confident the building will be ready for students to return after the January 19th through 22nd move window. They also discussed the possibility of having occupancy in December, which would allow staff training, student tours, cafeteria preparation, technology testing, and other operational work before students begin classes in the new building.

Board members and district officials also discussed efforts already underway to reduce risk before the move. That includes moving some technology infrastructure earlier than originally planned and testing areas such as food service and technology ahead of time.

Supporters of the midyear move pointed to student excitement, potential financial savings, and the chance to keep the overall campus project moving forward. Some board members said moving in January could help shorten the construction timeline and avoid extending work on the campus longer than necessary.

The financial discussion included possible savings on utilities, construction management, and inflation-related costs tied to future campus work. However, board members also acknowledged that some of those numbers are estimates and not firm totals.

Concerns were also raised during the meeting.

Some board members questioned the impact a midyear move could have on academics, staff preparation, student stress, moving logistics, winter weather, and students who may struggle with transitions. Concerns were also raised about teachers needing time to pack, prepare classrooms, and adjust to a new building and new technology while the school year is still underway.

One board member described the decision as academically difficult but economically beneficial, while others noted that students and community members they had spoken with were excited about moving into the new building as soon as possible.

District leadership said the move will not be easy, but once the board made its decision, staff and administrators would be committed to making the transition the best experience possible for students.

The motion passed 3 to 2. Carl Huber, Mark Huelsman, and Adam Schleucher voted yes. Jon Clouse and Julie Sommer voted no, with both saying they would support the final decision.

After the vote, board members moved into executive session for employment and compensation matters.