Montgomery County Public Schools’ request for a waiver from the Maryland State Department of Education following weather-related closures from the previous storm was denied. Since then, an additional day has been added to extend the school year for students to Friday, June 26th.
In an update shared with the community last week, MCPS explained that Montgomery County’s state legislative delegation is now working on legislation that could prevent the need to extend the school year.
According to MCPS, lawmakers are advancing a bill that would allow school systems to meet a minimum number of instructional hours rather than being required to make up every missed school day. MCPS noted that the district already exceeds the state’s required number of instructional hours each year, including this school year.
The proposed legislation, House Bill 1084, would authorize the Montgomery County Board of Education to require public schools to be open for either a minimum number of school days or a minimum number of instructional hours, instead of both.
MCPS said the instructional hour requirement will be met by the end of the school year, meaning no additional days would need to be added to the calendar if the bill is passed. District leaders also thanked Montgomery County’s state legislative partners for their support of local schools and families.
Second reading on the House floor is scheduled for tomorrow (February 24th). If approved, the bill would move to a third reading and final passage in the House shortly afterward, before heading to the Senate to go through the full legislative process again. If the legislation is approved, MCPS said it would adjust the end-of-year calendar accordingly.
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