Howard County schools set to close for major holidays starting 2026-2027 school year

A significant amendment to school holiday policies took center stage during the Maryland House Committee meeting on January 29, 2025. The proposed changes clarify that schools will officially close for student attendance during specific holidays starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Notably, the amendment removes previous language that tied holiday observance to whether they fell on a weekday, simplifying the policy to recognize the first day of holidays such as Diwali, Eid, Lunar New Year, and Rosh Hashanah.

Committee members engaged in a detailed discussion about the implications of these amendments. It was confirmed that while schools will be closed for students on these holidays, administrative offices may remain open, allowing for professional development activities. The board retains the discretion to close schools entirely if they choose, but the amendment does not mandate such closures.

This change is largely seen as a formalization of current practices, as schools already observe these holidays for students. However, questions arose regarding whether this amendment sets a precedent for determining future holiday observances across different counties. Committee members clarified that the decision-making power regarding holidays remains with the local school boards, and this amendment does not alter that authority.

The discussion also touched on concerns about potential impacts on the school calendar. However, it was emphasized that the amendment would not extend the school year, as it aligns with existing practices.

As the committee moves forward, the implications of these amendments could reshape how holidays are recognized in Maryland schools, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of diverse cultural observances within the educational system.