Maryland State law and Maryland State Board of Education bylaw establish the parameters and requirements to which each local school board must minimally adhere as the school calendar for each academic year is constructed. Such criteria include the minimal number of days schools are in session and which days schools must not be in session generally for patriotic or religious observances.

Local school boards can add to either of these minimum requirements.
That is, days in session can be greater than the state minimum and more days can be observed with schools closed. But, it is the local school boards who must ultimately and formally approve their annual school calendars.

The Anne Arundel County Board of Education makes considerable effort to acquire broad-based community, student and school staff input before its final decision. AEL is a Board of Education designated participant in the process.

2009-10 AEL Calendar Committee members are:

Reggie Ferrare
MacArthur Middle

Linda Ferrara
South Shore Elementary

Diane Lorton
Cape St. Claire Elementary

Robert Sorin
South River High School