UPPER MARLBORO, MD--The Prince George’s County Board of Education unanimously approved Thursday fully restoring Spring Break and closing schools next week. Students will return to school April 9.

Legislation put forward by State Sen. Nancy J. King would allow school systems to extend the school year five days beyond June 15, the current last day for students, without receiving a waiver from the State Board of Education. Once signed by the governor, the law will allow Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) more options to meet state requirements for the number of hours and days for students.

“Our students, employees and their families appreciate the Board’s action and the state’s willingness to add flexibility to the school calendar,” said Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer.

Five inclement weather makeup days were built into the approved 2017-2018 School Calendar, including two at the end of fourth quarter (June 14 and 15); one on the February 9 professional development day; and two during Spring Break (April 5 and 6). Dr. Maxwell withdrew his proposal to add an additional inclement weather makeup day on April 4, to make up the lost day of instruction due to inclement weather on March 22.

PGCPS plans to extend the school year to June 20, contingent on the governor signing the legislation into law, rather than open schools next week. All Maryland school districts are required to start school after Labor Day with June 15 as the last day of instruction due to an Executive Order by Gov. Larry Hogan.This week’s  state bill does not change the post-Labor Day start for schools.