At the January Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to amend the 2024-2025 school year calendar as follows:
● Previously: March 21, no school for students; professional development for staff
Amended: MARCH 21, HALF DAY FOR STUDENTS;
Half day professional development for staff
● Previously: April 16, half day for students
Amended: APRIL 16, FULL DAY FOR STUDENTS
● Previously: April 17, schools and offices closed
Amended: APRIL 17, HALF DAY FOR STUDENTS
By state education law, the calendar must reflect 180 student days. Four days were included in this year’s school calendar for inclement weather and to date, six of those days have been used, leaving a need to make up two days.
Dr. Simmons explained that the proposed days were adjusted in an effort to avoid extending the school year for students beyond June 16, the currently scheduled last half day. He noted that staff work days are dependent upon employee contracts and would therefore be clarified by communication from Human Resources.
Dr. Simmons also explained the process required by Maryland Education Law (COMAR) to apply for a waiver. Before a waiver is considered by the Maryland State Board of Education, a school system calendar must:
● have 180 total student days;
● have between three and 10 snow days built in (our 2024-25 calendar has four);
● have modified the current calendar to make up missed days; and
● have extended the current school year three days beyond the scheduled closing date.
● Exception: If an extension results in school ending on a Monday, a waiver of one day may be requested.
He noted that a Governor’s Declaration of a State of Emergency is NOT included in the waiver process; therefore, it has no bearing on the school calendar.