Medford Schools to Close on Good Friday Due to Staffing Shortages

Waves of educators have been calling out for religious reasons, taking sick days, and using vacation time.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:38pm

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Medford Public Schools will be closed this Friday, April 3, due to a district-wide staffing shortage. Superintendent Suzanne Galusi announced the closure after a wave of staff members called out, citing religious observances, sick days, and personal time off. Afterschool activities are also canceled, but district offices will remain open.

Why it matters

The staffing shortages highlight the challenges school districts face in accommodating religious holidays and personal time off for educators, while also maintaining adequate staffing levels to safely operate schools. This closure will disrupt families' schedules and plans, underscoring the need for more flexible policies around school calendars and staff absences.

The details

Medford school officials have been monitoring staff attendance on religious holidays since the start of the school year. After discussions with union leaders, absence rates continued to climb, prompting the decision to close schools on Good Friday. The district is adjusting the end-of-year schedule to make up the missed day.

  • Good Friday is on April 3, 2026.
  • Easter Sunday is on April 5, 2026.
  • Passover begins on April 2, 2026.

The players

Suzanne Galusi

Superintendent of Medford Public Schools.

Medford Teachers Association

The union representing teachers in Medford Public Schools.

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What they’re saying

“Given the amount of reported absences across schools and departments, and the continued rate of which staff absences are being submitted, there will not be enough staff in any school building to safely and effectively support teaching, learning, and building operations for students.”

— Suzanne Galusi, Superintendent

What’s next

The district will be reviewing its policies and procedures related to the school calendar and use of religious holidays to better support students and the Medford community.

The takeaway

This closure highlights the need for school districts to find a balance between accommodating staff religious observances and maintaining adequate staffing to safely operate schools. It also underscores the impact these decisions have on families and the importance of developing more flexible policies around school calendars.