Board designates April 21 a student holiday, adds eight minutes to school day for 30 days to avoid election activity on campuses

Facing staff and parent concerns about voters in school buildings during a special election on April 21, the Prince George County School Board voted March 25 to designate April 21 a student holiday and to add eight minutes to the end of each school day for 30 days, beginning after spring break.

Board member (S2) introduced the proposal after reporting numerous calls from staff and families worried about access and safety during the election. Division official (S8) told the board that deputies had confirmed additional police coverage at the affected schools but that voting locations cannot be moved by the division because state law fixes polling places. "We did encourage them or push them into the library itself 1 year, and it did not go over well," the staff member said, describing prior attempts to limit voting traffic.

Board members debated logistics including transportation and custodial coverage. Transportation staff said most afternoon pick‑ups would simply shift eight minutes later and that the change should not add significant cost to routes. Custodial staff would be flexed to open buildings earlier as needed; in limited cases the division expected minor overtime. Members stressed the need to communicate the change quickly; staff said a message would be ready to send the next day if the board approved.

Board member (S2) moved to make April 21 a student holiday, adding eight minutes to the end of each school day for 30 days; the motion was seconded and carried on roll call. The board also directed staff to produce an ordered list of items to restore to the budget if more state funding becomes available.

Next steps: the division will send a communication to families and staff and make minor schedule adjustments to routes and dismissal times.