Washington County board adopts 2025–26 school calendar with added makeup‑day flexibility

The Washington County Public Schools board voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a 2025–26 school calendar that follows the superintendent’s recommendation and adds additional potential makeup days to reduce the likelihood of extending the school year.

The board approved draft 3 of the proposed calendars with superintendent Dr. Perrigan’s caveats: designate the Monday and Tuesday of the Thanksgiving period and January 5 as potential makeup days, and allow Martin Luther King Day to serve as a makeup day if needed. The superintendent said the extra designated dates — together with already scheduled February and March makeup slots — would provide up to seven possible makeup days to cover severe weather or other disruptions.

Board member Miss Nichols moved to approve the calendar based on the superintendent’s recommendation; Miss Rastick seconded. The clerk recorded a 7–0 vote.

Board members said they favored protecting spring break and predictable breaks so families could plan travel, and emphasized that the calendar committee and superintendent had tried to balance instructional time and community needs. Dr. Perrigan said the recommendation aimed to “protect ourselves from another winter like we had” while preserving instructional continuity.

The superintendent also reminded the board that virtual learning days remain available; current plans include four virtual days remaining for the year. Dr. Perrigan said his plan, barring additional closures, would be to recommend an end‑of‑school date that allows dismissal before Memorial Day. The board did not change scheduled testing windows or state mandates.

The board clerk announced the motion passed 7–0.