Garrett County board adopts 2026–27 calendar, sets Sept. 5 marker amid business opposition

The Garrett County Board of Education voted 3–1 on Jan. 13 to adopt the 2026–27 school calendar and to use Sept. 5 as the annual marker for deciding whether the school year begins before or after Labor Day.

Superintendent McCartney recommended the board adopt the committee’s proposal, saying, “I am in support of using September 5 as sort of an official marker” to provide consistency for families, staff and community partners. The calendar committee said it collected 152 survey responses, including 107 written comments, and reported 46% support and 54% opposition for a proposed pre–Labor Day start in the 2026–27 plan.

The committee proposed three built-in makeup days — Presidents’ Day (Feb. 15), Easter Monday (Mar. 29) and an end‑of‑year day (June 4) — and recommended Sunday, May 23, 2027, for graduation; committee materials listed ceremony times as 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to accommodate Garrett College’s schedule. The committee also proposed reinstating a pilot that allows students two excused absences prior to Labor Day for work‑related reasons.

During the discussion board members noted a written letter from the Chamber of Commerce opposing a pre–Labor Day schedule and other community concerns; one board member described the chamber’s letter as representing many local employees. Supporters of the proposal said adopting Sept. 5 provides predictability over a 10‑year window and balances competing interests.

The board approved the calendar on a 3–1 voice vote. The superintendent and calendar committee will finalize calendar materials and post updates as required by state guidance.