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HCPSS is required to make up some of the days the state ordered schools to be closed. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requires all public school students to attend 180 days of school. The decision to waive any of the required days is the sole authority of MSDE.
Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon closed all Maryland schools for 10 days in March, which school systems are required to make up. In addition to the 10 days, HCPSS closed schools for two additional days this school year. HCPSS already has made up one day (April 28 primary elections rescheduled) and the 2019-2020 calendar reserved four inclement weather days at the end of the academic year. Thus, because HCPSS needs to make up six days, two additional days need to be added to the academic calendar.
The Howard County Board of Education applied for, and received a waiver of five days of missed school. Accordingly, the last day of school for most students for the 2019-2020 school year is June 23.