Update: 2017-2018 Academic Calendar Planning

October 31st, 2016

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) 2017-2018 Academic Calendar Planning Committee will present two calendar recommendations to the Board of Education at the December 15, 2016 meeting. One recommendation will align with Governor Hogan’s Executive Order to start school after Labor Day and end by June 15. The second recommendation will reflect the Board’s April 2016 decision to begin the school year for staff on August 21, 2017 and for students on August 28, 2017.

The 2017-2018 Academic Calendar Planning Committee’s recommendations will consider how to best support instruction within set parameters defined by negotiated agreements, district policies, state laws and State Board of Education regulations. The academic calendar must include 180 student days and 13 professional days.

The committee’s work incorporates the survey results from the Religious and Cultural Observances – Calendar Impact Survey, which looked at the impact of staff and student absences for cultural observances on instruction and effective facility operations. Results from the survey, by independent research firm Hanover Research, were presented during the September 8, 2016 Board meeting. The Academic Calendar Survey Analysis indicated that HCPSS parents and staff members highly value the cultural and religious diversity of Howard County, and welcome HCPSS policies that aim to support equity for all community members.

The 2017-2018 Academic Calendar Planning Committee includes representation from a broad array of parents, staff and community groups, including the Jewish Federation of Howard County, the Howard County Muslim Council, the Hindu community and the Chinese American Parent Association.

A public hearing on the 2017-2018 academic calendar is scheduled for January 26, 2017, with Board action scheduled for February 23, 2017.