HCPSS schools and offices are typically closed on all election days as county school buildings are used as polling sites by the Howard County Board of Elections. Students and staff are not able to access school buildings for instruction while elections are underway.
As this closing was not originally listed on the HCPSS Calendar, we are making this announcement early to allow families to plan ahead for the closure. HCPSS has reached out to community partners who typically provide camps and other programs on non-school days to encourage them to provide similar opportunities on February 4. Additionally, our Office of Food and Nutrition Services is exploring the possibility of opening food sites where free lunches could be served to children under the age of 18.
The school system plans to apply to the Maryland State Department of Education for a waiver of the closing day.