HCPSSBoard Considers the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 School Calendar Proposals
October 6th, 2021
The Howard County Board of Education is considering the proposed academic calendars for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, which were presented at the October 5, 2021 Board meeting. The proposed calendars reflect recommendations by the Academic Calendar Planning Committee and Superintendent Michael J. Martirano.
Both calendar proposals allow for continuity of HCPSS instructional programs, provide teachers with adequate time to engage in professional work and growth activities, and reflect the school system’s respect for religious observances, while recognizing the need for students, staff and families to have a traditional break from school work during the spring and winter.
Under the proposed 2022-2023 calendar, the first day of school for students would be August 29, 2022, and the last day of school for students would be June 13, 2023.
Under the proposed 2023-2024 calendar, the first day of school for students would be August 28, 2023, and the last day of school for students would be June 6, 2024.
Five inclement weather makeup days have been incorporated into both calendar recommendations to account for weather/emergency related school closings. The five inclement weather makeup days immediately follow the last scheduled day of school for students in June.
Half-day Pre-K/RECC students are not able to attend school in person on early closing days due to transportation conflicts, so the Superintendent is recommending that virtual instruction be provided to the Pre-K/RECC students on the three high school early dismissal days in January. During the current 2021-2022 school year, HCPSS will assess the effectiveness of virtual half-day pre-K instruction to determine if adjustments are needed for upcoming school years.
Full day Pre-K programs would have in-person school on early dismissal days, since they follow the K-5 schedule.
The calendar proposals reflect mandates embedded in Maryland law and/or the HCEA negotiated agreement including:
- 180 student school days
- 1,080 instructional hours for elementary and middle schools
- 1,170 instructional hours for high schools
- 193 school staff days
- State-mandated school holidays
- A school day must be a minimum of three hours long
A public hearing on the proposed 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic calendars is scheduled for Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 7 p.m. The Board is scheduled to take action on Thursday, November 18, 2021.
The full 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 calendar proposals can be viewed online.