The black and green graduation caps of high school students will fly in the air one week earlier than originally planned this school year.

School board members Monday night unanimously agreed to change the commencement date from May 30 to May 23 for Lawrence and Free State high schools.

“There are more students who I think will be able to participate,” said Scott Morgan, the school board president.

Board members and administrators had looked into the earlier date because May 30 would have been two weeks after seniors take their last final. High school graduation is still one week after Kansas University’s commencement May 16.

District officials spent the last two weeks seeking public input on changing the date. Superintendent Rick Doll said administrators received feedback from 12 people. Four of those comments were negative from people who had already made plans for travel and lodging for the May 30 weekend.

“I don’t pretend that this is not an inconvenience to some out there. It is my hope that it’s not a fatal inconvenience,” Morgan said.

Board members said they hoped the change was made enough in advance to help mitigate any hardships.

Plans currently call for having the ceremonies at each high school’s new outdoor athletic stadium. Administrators are still working on possible venues in case of inclement weather.