The Harford County Board of Education abruptly shelved a planned vote on its proposed 2026-27 school calendar Monday night, pulling the item from the agenda just hours before the meeting and sparking frustration from board members and students who came prepared to weigh in.

The calendar, which had been unveiled in September and opened to 60 days of public comment, was expected to come up for a final vote. Instead, it disappeared from the agenda without advance notice to the full board. Vice President Lauren Paige said the calendar was pulled with the intention of revisiting it at the board’s January meeting.

Elected member Carol Mueller, who represents District C, moved to restore the item, saying board members had not been told it would be removed. The motion failed on a 5-4 vote, with board president Aaron Poynton absent, leaving the proposal in limbo.

Students, community speak out

The late change did not stop public comment. About six speakers — including four high school students — urged the board to reconsider key elements of the calendar, particularly the proposed start date after Labor Day. Students enrolled in International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses said an earlier start would ease academic pressure and improve preparation for spring exams.

Kareem Wallace a high school senior, who’s taken IB courses, said starting earlier can help manage the heavy workload that IB classes bring.

“As more students filter through difficult programs in our county, it is vital that our calendar supports and considers how these courses are meant to be taught and received,” he said.

Other speakers pressed the board to recognize additional holidays. A student from Aberdeen High School asked that schools close for Eid al-Fitr, calling it a meaningful step toward equity for Muslim students.

The sentiment to recognize a holiday that’s close to them, is echoed by Lisa and Bob Brown who stated the board should consider closing schools for Veteran’s Day. They cited having the day off allows the veteran community and families to participate in a full day of events.

“Veterans Day ceremonies are a way for families to spark the conversation about the cost of freedom and sacrifice,” Bob said.

What does the current proposal say?

The proposed calendar had students going back to school on the first Tuesday of September. The last day would be June 17, if the district used all its embedded inclement weather days. If no snow days are used, the last day would be June 14.

The calendar also featured the addition of six teacher planning days, a first for the district after educators expressed the need for more time to themselves that aren’t professional development days.

Early dismissals before holidays, like Thanksgiving and winter break, were also implemented into the proposed calendar, in addition to early dismissals for students around the end of each quarter.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12 at 6 p.m.

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