Student Holiday Possible On March 5 For Super Tuesday Primary Voting: PWC School Board

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Students in Prince William County may not have class on March 5, 2024. The county school board is considering a proposal that would add a student holiday on the day of 2024 presidential primary election in Virginia.

The Prince William County Office of Elections recommended that the board close schools on March 5, as most public schools also act as polling precincts.

Stephanie Soliven, the associate superintendent for teaching and learning, presented the recommendation to the school board on Wednesday.

Soliven's presentation noted that there could be security concerns if classes are in session while voters visit their precinct. Soliven also outlined logistical concerns like limited parking, increased congestion around schools, and disruption of classes.

The proposal would add a student holiday on March 5. Teachers and other staff members would still be required to work either virtually or in person.

However, the proposal would eliminate a teacher workday on June 12. This would allow teachers to start their summer break one day earlier.

School Age Child Care (SACC) would not be affected by the student holiday.

In 2020, the Prince William County School Board voted to close schools on March 3, 2020 due to the presidential primary election.

The school board plans to vote on the proposal at their next meeting on Jan. 17.