Richmond Board Adds Easter Monday, Feb 17 School Days

Key Points

• The Richmond School Board voted 6-2 on Tuesday night to reinstate Easter Monday (April 6) as a school day, following seven days of asynchronous learning for students.
• February 17 will be converted from a teacher work day to a full instructional day, without requiring a Board vote as teachers will already be present for professional development.
• The administration, led by Superintendent Jason Kamras, requested two additional days: President’s Day on February 16 and Eid al-Fitr on March 20.
• Board members opposed the full proposal, citing teachers’ and students’ recent virtual work during the prior week.
• Superintendent Kamras argued that virtual learning does not adequately replace in-person instruction, emphasising the need to support students after significant closures.
• Teachers, represented by Andrea Bryant of the Richmond Education Association, criticised the move as inconsiderate, predicting higher absences.
• Dissenting votes came from Wesley Hedgepeth (4th District) and Cheryl Burke (7th District).
• Supporters, including Katie Ricard (2nd District), Stephanie Rizzi (5th District), and Matthew Percival (1st District), prioritised student learning and safety.
• Potential future closure on April 21 due to a statewide redistricting referendum was highlighted.
• Discussions included marking holidays as “at-risk” for conversion and policy reviews for planning.

Richmond, Virginia (South London News) – February 4, 2026 – The Richmond School Board has approved adding two in-person school days to compensate for recent disruptions, opting for a 6-2 vote that reinstates Easter Monday as an instructional day following a week of asynchronous learning. This decision overrides initial opposition from some members concerned about staff fatigue after virtual instruction. Superintendent Jason Kamras underscored the irreplaceable value of face-to-face teaching amid ongoing challenges like absenteeism.

Why Did the Board Approve Additional School Days?

The vote centred on addressing seven days of asynchronous learning, which disrupted regular schedules. As reported by local education correspondent Sarah Jenkins of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Board approved reinstating Easter Monday, falling on April 6 as the first day back from Spring Break, and converting February 17 from a teacher work day to full instruction. Superintendent Jason Kamras explained,

“I think two things can be true: educators worked their very best to their abilities, and in-person instruction is most beneficial for our students and they would benefit from having an additional day.”

The administration sought four extra days total, including President’s Day on February 16 and Eid al-Fitr on March 20, an Islamic holiday. However, the Board limited approvals to the two less contentious options. Kamras pointed to potential further disruptions, noting April 21 as a possible closure date for a statewide redistricting referendum. This proactive stance reflects broader efforts to maintain instructional hours amid unpredictable events.

What Opposition Did Teachers and Board Members Voice?

Public comments revealed strong teacher frustration. Andrea Bryant, president of the Richmond Education Association – the union representing school employees – stated during Tuesday night’s session, “This is inconsiderate at best.” She argued that converting holidays would lead to more absences among students and staff, already strained by last week’s virtual demands.

Board member Ali Faruk (3rd District), initially opposed, questioned Kamras directly: why propose more days after teachers’ recent virtual efforts? Kamras replied,

“Because we have a duty to do everything we possibly can to support our young people. Seven days of closure is significant.”

Faruk ultimately voted yes. Dissenters Wesley Hedgepeth (4th District) and Cheryl Burke (7th District) voted no. Hedgepeth expressed worry over extra teacher workload, saying he had witnessed their virtual efforts, and suggested reserving February 17 for professional development, especially on immigration issues where training was lacking.

Who Supported the Proposal and Why?

Proponents prioritised student needs over holiday relief. Katie Ricard (2nd District) shared personal experience, noting it had been difficult to keep her second-grade daughter “moving forward” during home learning. She highlighted rising chronic absenteeism and declining Standards of Learning scores, recently presented by administrators, worrying about instructional losses.

Stephanie Rizzi (5th District) emphasised equity, stating,

“Some students don’t have vacations or get to experience any,”

and that school serves as a safe haven. She added,

“I understand people who want days off, but there are students who want days in.”

Matthew Percival (1st District) aligned, declaring he had to

“come down on the side of the students.”

Hedgepeth responded indirectly, saddened by “the comment of sides,” clarifying,

“Being on one side or the other means you’re not on the side of both, and I’m regretful of that.”

What Changes Apply to Specific Dates?

Easter Monday (April 6) now marks the return from Spring Break as a full school day, approved by the 6-2 vote. February 17 shifts to instructional time seamlessly, as teachers attend for professional development anyway, bypassing a separate vote. The rejected requests – President’s Day (February 16) and Eid al-Fitr (March 20) – would have extended the burden further.

Kamras advocated these amid virtual learning’s shortcomings. Coverage by education reporter Michael Torres of WTVR CBS 6 noted the Superintendent’s consistent position: virtual school

“does not make up for in-person learning.”

This aligns with data on absenteeism spikes this school year.

How Did the Discussion Address Future Planning?

Percival proposed identifying holidays as “at-risk” for conversion, aiding family planning. Kamras endorsed this, suggesting the Board review and propose policy for days that become instructional after cancellations. He called it

“a great step forward for families as they plan their year.”

This forward-looking exchange underscores tensions between immediacy and long-term stability. As detailed in a follow-up piece by journalist Lena Patel of the Richmond Free Press, such policies could preempt disruptions like the redistricting referendum.

What Broader Context Shapes This Decision?

The move follows seven asynchronous days, testing remote capabilities. Supporters echoed Kamras on in-person superiority, while acknowledging teacher strains. Ricard’s concerns over Standards of Learning and absenteeism reflect district-wide pressures.

Rizzi’s safety comments highlight school’s role for vulnerable students. Hedgepeth’s training plea points to gaps, like immigration topics. The 6-2 tally – yes from Faruk, Ricard, Rizzi, Percival, and two others; no from Hedgepeth and Burke – balances these views.

Who Are the Key Figures Involved?

• Jason Kamras, Superintendent: Led the push, stressing student duty.
• Andrea Bryant, Richmond Education Association president: Led teacher pushback.
• Ali Faruk (3rd District): Questioned but supported.
• Wesley Hedgepeth (4th District): Opposed, focused on teachers/training.
• Cheryl Burke (7th District): Opposed, details unspecified.
• Katie Ricard (2nd District): Parent perspective, pro-student.
• Stephanie Rizzi (5th District): Equity and safety advocate.
• Matthew Percival (1st District): Student-first stance.

Why Is In-Person Learning Prioritised Over Virtual?

Kamras repeatedly affirmed virtual’s limits. Ricard cited her daughter’s struggles. Data shows absenteeism rises and scores dip. For some, school means stability – Rizzi’s point. Seven closure days equate to substantial loss, justifying recovery.

Opponents note teacher burnout risks absences. Yet, the majority deemed student gains paramount.

What Happens Next for Richmond Schools?

February 17 looms as the first change. April 6 follows Spring Break. Policy on “at-risk” days may emerge. Absenteeism monitoring continues. The Board’s action sets precedent for balancing holidays with instruction amid disruptions.

This comprehensive coverage draws from primary reporting by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, WTVR CBS 6, and Richmond Free Press, ensuring all voices – from Kamras’ duty call to Bryant’s critique – are represented without omission. The decision underscores education’s front-line tensions in Richmond, Virginia.