Prince Frederick, MD – Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s 2016 executive order mandating that the state’s public schools don’t begin classes until after Labor Day is as popular as it was the day it was announced in Ocean City. The edict, however, is still wreaking havoc for local school officials who must draft a schedule that parents and employees find palatable. During their July meeting, the Calvert County Board of Education (BOE) unanimously approved the proposed calendar for the 2019-2020 school year. Director of Procurement and Resource Management Kevin Michael presented the Calendar Committee’s presented the plan, noting that 11 county residents submitted comments. Eight of the comments were regarding spring recess. The recess is scheduled for April 2020 beginning Wednesday, April 8 and concluding Monday, April 13—a subtraction of four weekdays. Michael added that many of the people submitting comments indicated they had issues with the way Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) handles delayed openings.
According to Michael, 2019-2020 “is not the toughest [school year calendar] that we face,” adding that the 2020-2021 calendar will be more of a challenge. That situation is due to Labor Day falling on Sept. 7—as late as it possibly could. The Code of Maryland Regulations requires 180 days of classes.
“It’s really is making decisions in a straight-jacket,” said BOE President Tracy McGuire, who had previously served on a calendar committee represented the Council of PTAs. “The community may not be aware of the straight-jacket we are working with.”
“I know we can’t please everybody,” BOE Vice President Pamela Cousins added, noting that the prioritization of spring recess varies among families.
Board member Dawn Balinski asked if members of Maryland’s education community were still protesting Hogan’s Labor Day directive. “It’s not really debatable,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Curry. School Board Member William Phalen, who is a member of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education’s Board of Directors, stated that organization’s efforts to get the state legislature involved in changing Hogan’s decision have gone nowhere. “It’s very popular,” said Phalen of the post-Labor Day start.
The calendar includes inclement weather and emergency school closing make up alternatives include Feb.18—the day after President’s Day which is planned as a parent conference/professional development day, and April 8 and 9—the first two days of spring recess. The last day for students in the 2019-2020 school year is tentatively set for June 11.
Michael did confirm that schools will be closed for students Sept. 27—Youth Day at the Calvert County Fair. It will be “professional development” day for CCPS employees. Schools will also be closed Tuesday, April 28 for the Primary Election.
Curry asked that letters of response be drafted and sent to the 11 people who submitted comments of the proposed calendar.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com