Acting Superintendent Bill Barnes announced at 8:30 a.m. January 23rd, through Howard County social media accounts, a new policy, that requires this year’s seniors must make up all snow days used during the school year, which will affect the last day of school, end-of-year events, and other activities. 

New to the office of Superintendent, this major decision comes just two weeks after Barnes took the position on January 10th. As Acting Superintendent, Barnes’ post will only last until the end of the year and then he will no longer hold that title. Perhaps this is his way of leaving his mark during his brief time in this role. 

A wildly unpopular choice with the people of Howard County, but our county seems to be alone in receiving this policy. None of the surrounding counties, that also took snow days recently, have implemented this policy.

Seniors, teachers, and administrators have a range of opinions on this matter, but the ones who will have to suffer as a result of it, the seniors, are the most outraged.

“I go to school for over twelve years, and now I’m finally in senior year and now you’re making me come back to school?” said senior Daniela Cifuentes. 

Despite having only taken three snow days so far, these will all have to be tacked onto the end of the year and will push back major events that both students and families within the community had been planning for. It is still early in the winter so many are wondering how long our seniors will have to postpone graduation if more snow days are taken.

A less honest and truant choice, but still an alternative to these unnecessary makeup days, has been found. “I’m not showing up on those days,” said senior Lindsey Lombardi. 

Concern is rapidly growing throughout the community with end-of-year events, including the graduation ceremony, being up in the air as a result of Barnes’ new policy. 

Happy April Fool's Day!🦂