Parent petition asks Bernards Township board to realign school calendar for major religious holidays

A Bernards Township parent delivered a petition asking the board to reconsider how the district schedules non-instructional days to better align with major religious holidays observed by minority student populations.

Marissa Tayac said the petition has 230 signatures and urged the board to “thoughtfully reevaluate our current calendar structure” and to shift existing non-instructional days rather than add days off. Tayac argued that while excused absences are permitted, they leave students responsible for missed instruction and extracurriculars and that aligning the calendar with surrounding districts would ease childcare and scheduling burdens for working families.

The board’s policy committee reported a recent, narrow calendar revision: after consulting with the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, the committee adjusted the 2026 calendar to move the district’s observance of Eid from March 10 to March 9. The committee reiterated that religious holidays are excused absences and said teachers are encouraged to limit major assignments on those days. The committee also said it is developing guidelines for field use that will consider sound and lighting, and it is drafting a policy on teacher personal property and damage during student incidents.

Tayac asked that the district “create a truly inclusive calendar” and said the goal is to affirm the value of every student without increasing the overall number of non-instructional days. The board did not take immediate action on the petition and closed public comment; committee members said calendar policy is under review and that additional community engagement may be needed.