As families grapple with the impact of snow make-up days that have extended public school classes into late June, state lawmakers are considering emergency legislation that would provide Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) with a way to end the 2025-2026 school year earlier.
MCPS added five days to the end of its academic calendar after inclement weather and frigid temperatures closed schools for a total of six days this winter – shifting the last day of classes from June 17 to June 26. State law requires school districts to offer at least 180 days of instruction and at least 1,080 school hours within a 10-month period each year.
MCPS included 181 days in its 2025-2026 calendar. School districts can request a waiver from the 180-day requirement from the Maryland State Department of Education, but they must first use make-ups days in their calendars before a waiver can be considered…