The incredible amount of speculation as to whether or not Superintendent Sydney Cousins would apply for  the previous last day of school, June 11, 2012 to be waived has ended. The last day of school will be Friday, June 8. A make-up day was initially decided to take place in order to get in the state mandated 180 days of school, but due to hurricane-like weather conditions on the would-be first day of school, all schools in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will end the 2011-2012 calendar year on June 8.

Check out the official press release below and be sure to check back with The Wingspan for further details.

The State Board of Education has approved Superintendent Sydney Cousin’s request for a waiver of the 180-day school year requirement for students.  As a result, the last day of school for HCPSS students will be Friday, June 8, 2012.

Schools were closed on the first scheduled day of the 2011-2012 school year due to hurricane conditions in the area.  The makeup day was scheduled for Monday, June 11.  With the waiver of that day, the last day of school will be June 8, as originally scheduled.

In addition, the Superintendent has recommended, and the Board of Education has given tentative approval, to a waiver of that same day for teachers and other 10-month school-based staff. The Board will confirm the decision with a formal vote at today’s Board meeting.