JCRC Statement
June 22, 2026
The following is a statement on the Fairfax County School Board's approval of an updated calendar policy.
“The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington commends the Fairfax County School Board for approving a policy that codifies annual closures on days coinciding with significant religious observances, including Christmas, Diwali, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. We thank Chair Sandy Anderson and the Board for reaffirming that a system as diverse as Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) values inclusion and respect through an academic calendar that reflects the communities it serves.
“The JCRC raised concerns earlier this year regarding a draft FCPS policy that would have put these closures at risk. That would have been a mistake. Since being introduced several years ago, these closures have helped students and employees of minority faiths feel better seen and understood, which in turn provides more inclusive and culturally sensitive school communities. We are pleased that the Board subsequently chose to adopt a final policy, consistent with One Fairfax, that preserves these important accommodations and provides long-term certainty for families, teachers, and staff.
“We remain committed to working alongside school officials to ensure that everyone in the FCPS community feels welcomed, respected, and included. We thank the Board for its leadership and look forward to our continued collaboration.”