Delegates consider HOCO 10-25 to codify five cultural and religious student holidays; school board raises concerns about local control

Delegates reviewed HOCO 10-25, a bill that would require Howard County schools to close for students on five cultural and religious observances: Lunar New Year, Diwali, Eid (two Eids were referenced), Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The sponsor proposed an amendment to apply closures to students only and to delay implementation until the 2026-27 school year.

Why it matters: Sponsors said the measure would codify current practices and reduce repetitive calendar debates, while supporters framed it as a recognition of the county's religious and cultural diversity. Opponents, including school-board members, warned the bill would remove local authority to set calendars and could produce unintended operational consequences.

School board position and operational concerns

Jen Mallow, identified in the meeting as a school board member, told delegates the board's position was to oppose the bill because calendar decisions should be locally determined. "The board's position on this bill was to oppose, given that it should be a locally decided issue," Mallow said. She and other school board representatives said mandating specific holidays would limit the board's ability to respond to changing demographics and operational needs.

Data on affected students and calendar practice

Dr. Linfeng Chen (speaking in the meeting as a school official) estimated that the populations tied to the listed observances could encompass roughly 30% of the district's students ("about 15,000 or 20,000 students out of the 57[000] students"). Dr. Chen said the district has historically accommodated major Jewish holidays and has used professional learning days or wellness days to provide flexibility for other observances.

Board members and other delegates proposed alternatives

Several delegates urged the board to consider multi-year calendar decisions or a policy that would make repeatedly observed closures permanent so the delegation would not need to legislate the same issue annually. Delegates discussed a narrow drafting change suggested by Counsel Moriarty and the sponsor to remove a phrase that could create inconsistent application for holidays that begin at sunset (for example, Jewish holidays).

Outcome

Delegates closed discussion on HOCO 10-25 for that session and did not take a final vote. The sponsor said she would work with counsel on language adjustments and to consider the board's concerns; school-board officials said they would explore whether a multi-year or permanent policy could address delegation concerns.

Provenance: Transcript excerpts from the HOCO 10-25 discussion, including testimony from Jen Mallow, Dr. Linfeng Chen and other delegates, formed the basis of this report.