Schools survey respondents split on when to start school year

The parents, teachers and students who responded to a survey about the 2021- 2022 school year calendar were evenly split on whether to start on Aug. 30 or Sept. 8.

The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County will adopt a calendar for next school year this Wednesday evening, informed by the results of a survey that more than 15,000 people responded to between Dec. 8 and Dec. 18. The survey was available in English and Spanish, and the results have been posted online at www.aacps.org/calendar.

About half, 50.8%, said they would like the school year to start Sept. 8 and run through June 21. Slightly fewer people, 49.2%, said they wanted the school year to start Aug. 30 and end June14.

The survey also asked about the length of spring break and the consistency of the start date.

Of respondents, 59.5% preferred having a weeklong spring break even if it meant going longer into June.

People were also split on if the school year should: always start after Labor Day ( 44.2%), always start before Labor Day ( 17%) or if the start date should depend on “holidays and other considerations” ( 38%).

As the board agrees on a calendar for next school year, much remains uncertain about how and when students can return to school buildings during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wednesday evening Superintendent George Arlotto and Health Officer Nilesh Kalyanaraman are scheduled to provide an update on school reopening.

The health department recommends virtual learning for all students when the number of new cases per day per 100,000 people is higher than 15. On Monday that rate was 49.2 in Anne Arundel, the highest it has ever been, and 44 statewide, according to state data.

The board will also take up a proclamation tomake Jan. 26 Mo Gaba Day, in honor of Mossila K. “Mo” Gaba, a Glen Burnie resident and Orioles super fan and Hall of Fame member who died last year after a life- long fight with cancer. Hewas 14.

The day would be recognized each year, and the proclamation will also set up a Mo Gaba Award given to one student at the elementary, middle and high school level who has “demonstrated exceptional capabilities to overcome obstacles and who possess kindness and a positive attitude to change the lives of others.”

The board will meet virtually, and the public portion of the meeting begins at 6 p. m. and will be broadcast live on YouTube.