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Families and students urge Wayne schools to recognize Diwali; board to discuss
Summary
Community members, students and parents asked the Wayne Board of Education to add Diwali to the school calendar, citing cultural recognition, a petition of more than 400 signatures and examples of other New Jersey districts; the superintendent pledged to meet with stakeholders and the board said it will discuss options for 2026.
Dozens of community members told the Wayne Board of Education on Aug. 21 that the district should recognize Diwali as a school holiday.
Kamala Anupindi, who said she spoke on behalf of the Indian American community, described Diwali as a major cultural and religious observance and urged the board to add it to the school calendar. "Diwali is a festival that is celebrated by nearly 1000000000 people," she said, and argued that recognition would honor Wayne's diversity and reduce the burden on students who now choose between school and cultural observance.
Students and parents gave personal testimony: "It would make me proud if my school recognized a holiday just like other big holidays," said Sia, identified during public comment as a 9‑year‑old student. Fennel Patel told the board his group collected more than 400 petition signatures in support of Diwali recognition.
Several speakers pointed to precedent: parents noted that roughly 29 New Jersey districts already recognize Diwali. Board members acknowledged the request and emphasized the complexity of the school calendar — the district must provide 180 instructional days between Sept. 1 and June 30 — and the need to consider Veterans Day and other calendar constraints.
Superintendent Mr. Cedadino thanked speakers and said he welcomed engagement. He told the audience the district is "not looking for a change for this 2025" calendar because holidays and the school schedule are already set for the coming year, but he invited community members to meet with him and staff to explore options for future calendars. "So please accept that invitation," he said, pledging collaboration.
Board members said they would continue conversations. One member suggested using in‑service or professional‑development days as a calendar tool to provide recognition while preserving instructional time; others said the redistricting and demographic work underway will inform calendar decisions going forward.
The board did not vote on a calendar change at the meeting; members said follow‑up conversations with administration and community stakeholders are expected.
Next steps: the superintendent and board members will meet with community representatives to examine options and report back to the board.
