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Fairfax County parents are urging school leaders to reduce midweek closures and irregular early-release days as the School Board prepares to vote Thursday on proposed calendar changes.

Three board members — Ilryong Moon, Mateo Dunne and Ricardy Anderson — heard families’ concerns and alternatives during a video town hall Tuesday.

Moon said only 52% of the Fairfax County Public Schools calendar consists of full five-day weeks, the lowest percentage among comparable districts. He argued that frequent interruptions make it harder for students to maintain routines and concentrate on learning.

Fairfax County has the longest school year and shortest summer break among local districts, along with the most days off, the most cultural and religious holidays, and the fewest five-day weeks.

Anderson said inconsistent midweek closures place a particular strain on parents who cannot work from home or easily take time off.

Dunne read several written suggestions submitted by parents. One proposed eliminating all religiously connected school holidays, including the winter break associated with Christmas, to create a more neutral approach to religion and culture.

Another parent argued that holidays were not the central problem, pointing instead to numerous teacher workdays, planning days and staff development days.

The School Board approved a three-year calendar plan in 2023 that includes the 2025-2026 academic year. Superintendent Michelle Reid has more recently said elementary early-release days are needed to give teachers time to complete required training.

Dunne raised concerns about young children from low-income families being sent home early when no adult may be present. Military families also described difficulty making plans around the calendar’s shifting schedule.

Some parents suggested moving teachers’ professional development courses to summer break. Anderson, a former teacher and principal, said concentrating all training at the beginning of the school year would not be good practice because educators need opportunities to adjust throughout the year.

Moon, Dunne and Anderson acknowledged that competing priorities make it unlikely any calendar will satisfy everyone. Anderson said the goal is to create a schedule that produces the greatest possible benefit for students.