Mahwah board hears public concern about cultural holidays and calendar constraints
Summary
A public commenter urged the district to recognize cultural holidays that affect student attendance; board members said they value inclusion but noted scheduling limits (180-day school year) and committed to staff education and consideration for future calendars.
During the meeting the board heard a public comment urging the district to recognize cultural holidays to avoid forcing students to choose between attendance and cultural observance. The commenter said students sometimes skip school to observe holidays and that recognition could improve attendance and participation.
A board member responded that the district is committed to inclusion and said staff and the district calendar team will be educated on culturally significant dates. The member also noted practical constraints: the district operates on a 180-day school year (September through June), which limits immediate changes to the calendar, and said the district will work to accommodate students where possible going forward.
Another board member provided historical perspective, pointing to Department of Education guidance about many possible holidays and urging sensitivity to attendance and work completion policies.
No formal calendar changes or policy votes were recorded in the transcript excerpts provided; the board pledged to continue internal work to identify respectful accommodations and to make staff aware of relevant dates.
