Wissahickon board approves Lunar New Year, Diwali and Eid as school holidays; 2026–27 calendar adopted

The Wissahickon School District board voted on Dec. 8 to add three culturally significant holidays to the district calendar: Lunar New Year, Diwali and Eid al‑Fitr. The board also approved the 2026–27 school calendar.

Student and parent advocates gave the board petitions and testimony before the votes. Lilith Way said students collected 163 signatures at one elementary school in under two weeks; a high‑school speaker, Case Gell, told the board that more than 900 high‑school students had signed a petition asking for Lunar New Year recognition. "I respectfully urge you to make Lunar New Year an official school holiday," Case said.

After discussion, the board took separate roll‑call votes. Lunar New Year and Diwali were approved on roll call; Eid al‑Fitr was approved with a single 'No' vote recorded from one board member. Board members and staff said the calendar additions will take effect in the 2027–28 school year when those observances fall on weekdays. The administration noted the practical constraints of adding days off — in some years the holidays fall on weekends — and said the vote reflects demographic changes and comparable district practice.

Board members thanked advocates and described community outreach that informed the proposal, including prior petitions and a November community listening session. A board member asked to split the holiday votes so each would be recorded individually; the board complied. The board also moved and approved the 2026–27 school calendar as presented.

The district said it will share implementation details for the calendar and continue to solicit stakeholder feedback as it prepares forthcoming academic schedules.