Anne Arundel Schools Propose Changes to 2023 Calendar

Anne Arundel County school officials have proposed a significant adjustment to the current academic calendar, aiming to enhance the learning experience for students. The plan involves transforming certain early-dismissal days into full days off, allowing for improved consistency in scheduling. Superintendent Mark Bedell has indicated that rather than having students dismissed early on the last day of the second, third, and fourth marking periods, the district would designate a full day off for students and a workday for staff.

Bedell articulated the rationale behind these changes during a Board of Education meeting on September 17, 2023, stating, “We believe these changes would minimize disruptions in learning and provide a consistent schedule for staff, students, and families.” The proposed calendar adjustment is currently open for community feedback, with parents and guardians able to participate in a survey on the school district’s website until October 1, 2023.

The district expects to present Bedell’s final recommendation on October 15, 2023, with a Board of Education vote scheduled for November 5, 2023. This adjustment comes in light of a new law signed by Governor Wes Moore that alters the requirements for school attendance in Anne Arundel County. The law maintains that students must be in school for a total of 180 days each year, but it shifts the focus from a day-count requirement to an hour-count requirement. Elementary and middle school students must complete 1,080 hours annually, while high school students are required to fulfill 1,170 hours.

Historically, the school district has utilized early dismissal days to meet the 180-day requirement while allowing time for professional development and grading. However, these early dismissals have drawn criticism from both parents and teachers for disrupting educational routines and leading to lower attendance rates. Data from the past three academic years indicates that attendance on early dismissal days has suffered significantly, with a drop of up to 14.09% below average during certain days in the current school year.

To address these concerns, the district established the Innovative School Scheduling Workgroup last summer. This group, composed of staff members, elected officials, and representatives from community organizations, aimed to analyze the existing calendar and propose improvements. Their findings revealed that early dismissals often hinder instructional time and adversely affect student attendance.

Legislators Del. Heather Bagnall and Sen. Dawn Gile, both Democrats representing Annapolis, sponsored the bill that granted the exception to the 180-day rule, allowing the district the flexibility to innovate. Bagnall emphasized the importance of this change, stating, “I offered to sponsor this bill with my Senate colleague and D33 district mate Senator Dawn Gile because we believe our nationally renowned Superintendent Dr. Bedell has a transformational vision, which he utilized to great effect in Kansas City, and we wanted our county to have the flexibility to innovate.”

As the district navigates these proposed changes, Bedell has urged community members to provide their input. “We want feedback from our families… I’m asking everyone to take part in this because the school calendar impacts everyone,” he said, highlighting the importance of community involvement in shaping educational policies.

For those wishing to contribute their thoughts, the survey remains open until the beginning of October. The upcoming recommendation and subsequent board vote will determine the future of the school calendar, ensuring it meets the needs of students, families, and staff alike.