Why was the school year extended?
To make up for days missed due to snowstorms and to ensure the observance of Eid al-Fitr without using it as a makeup day.
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Education / K-12
Montgomery County School Year Extended Due to Snow Days and Eid al-Fitr
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has extended the 2025-2026 school year to make up for days missed due to January's snowstorm and to accommodate the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr. This decision follows concerns from advocates and electe...
Key Insights
- MCPS will add four days to the end of the school calendar to compensate for weather-related closures.
- The school year will now conclude on June 25 instead of June 17.
- March 20, initially designated as a makeup day, will now remain a non-instructional day in observance of Eid al-Fitr.
- Superintendent Thomas Taylor cited the challenges of meeting the state’s mandated 180 instructional days while respecting the diversity of the community.
- The district estimates the cost of operating schools for each makeup day at $2.1 million.
In-Depth Analysis
Following five days of school closures and two days of delayed openings due to winter weather, MCPS initially planned to use March 20, which coincides with Eid al-Fitr, as one of the makeup days. This decision faced criticism from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and other advocates, who argued that religious holidays should be protected.
MCPS sought a waiver from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to avoid extending the school year but was denied. As a result, the school board unanimously approved Superintendent Taylor's recommendation to restore Eid al-Fitr as a non-instructional day and add four days to the end of the school year. The makeup dates are now: June 18 (full day), June 22 (full day), June 24 (half day), and June 25 (half day).
The district also noted that the state legislature is considering an amendment to state law that would allow school districts to meet a minimum number of instructional hours instead of days, which MCPS already exceeds. This potential change could provide more flexibility in future school calendars.
FAQ
When is the new last day of school?
The last day of school is now June 25.
What happens if there are more school closures?
MCPS may need to adjust the calendar further, depending on any new state guidelines regarding instructional hours versus days.
Takeaways
- Be aware of the updated school calendar and make necessary adjustments to family schedules.
- Understand that MCPS is working to balance state requirements with community needs.
- Stay informed about potential changes to state law regarding instructional time, which could affect future school calendars.
Discussion
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Sources
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