Delegation debates HOCO 10-25 to codify student-only school closures for select holidays

Howard County House Delegation members on a January agenda reviewed HOCO 10-25, a bill to codify school closures for students on specified cultural and religious holidays beginning in the 2026–27 school year. Delegates discussed two amendments that were combined to clarify that closures apply to student attendance only and to remove language addressing what to do when listed holidays "begin on a weekday," leaving the bill to reference the first day only for the listed holidays.

The combined amendments were presented on-screen by Tara (staff member). "What the amendments do is that they clarify that the provisions of this bill would begin for the 2026 to through 2027 school year," Tara said, and she explained the change to the holiday language. Board members and delegation members asked questions about operational impacts and legal authority.

Board member Miss Mala told the delegation the change "can potentially extend the school year" because the bill requires those days off within a 180-day requirement; she said the practice the bill would codify has been in place since 2018. Delegates also heard that the school board and its calendar committee currently prepare and approve calendars, and that board counsel previously advised the board not to adopt a named, numbered policy on the calendar because counsel believed calendar-setting was within the superintendent's jurisdiction.

Delegates raised several practical questions: whether offices and professional development days could continue while students are off, whether the bill would set a precedent for other jurisdictions, and whether mandating student closures could lengthen the school year in some years depending on how many of the listed holidays fall on weekdays. Board representatives said existing practice allows schools and administrators discretion on office operations and professional development, and that, if the board wished, it could still close schools systemwide for a holiday.

A delegation member moved to table further discussion of HOCO 10-25 until the delegation could review the legal reasoning provided previously to the school board and a follow-up memo from board counsel; the delegation indicated it would hold the bill pending that review and requested the memo be circulated (a staff member said she would try to provide the information by 5 p.m.). No formal vote on the bill or the amendments was recorded at the meeting.

Why it matters: Delegates said the bill aims to remove a choice placed on students who must choose between observing a religious or cultural holiday and attending school activities. Supporters described the proposal as codifying established practice so students do not have to miss instruction or feel "othered" for observing holidays.

The delegation scheduled follow-up work and said it would resume consideration after receiving the requested legal clarification.