Unlike several other Maryland counties, Frederick County Public Schools is unlikely to consider opening schools on two major Jewish holidays.
Both options scheduled to be presented Wednesday to the Frederick County Board of Education keep schools closed on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur — two of the most sacred holidays for Jewish people.
The calendar committee, a collection of 24 members representing various groups, recommended schools continue to close on Yom Kippur, which is also Fair Day. Community members were split on closing on Fair Day, but maintained the importance of observing the Jewish holidays.
The calendar committee proposed moving a teacher professional workday that had previously been held in October. The calendar has three built-in snow days versus the five that had been built in in previous calendars.
Several other districts are grappling with the difficulties of the tight schedule. A state mandate set by Gov. Larry Hogan last year requires schools to start the calendar after Labor Day and end by June 15.
Complicating matters this upcoming year is the fact that school officials have to find several days of school they didn’t have last year. In 2017, Yom Kippur fell on a Saturday, so schools didn’t need to close. Also, in 2018 there is a gubernatorial election, which will require schools to be closed on Election Day. Finally, the final day of the school calendar, June 15, is a Saturday, which is another day the board has to find.
The scheduling conflicts have led to some districts considering opening the doors on the Jewish holidays.
Anne Arundel County decided to open its doors on Rosh Hashana, but remain closed on Yom Kippur. Baltimore County is scheduled to decide Tuesday if it will open its doors on both Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, which would be the first time schools open on Jewish holidays in about 20 years.
Baltimore City Public Schools has not closed schools for Jewish holidays in the past.
Howard, Mongtomery and Carroll counties are each likely to continue closing on the Jewish holidays.
Mount names
new provost
Mount St. Mary’s University has tabbed Boyd Creasman as its new provost, beginning in January 2018.