Bernards Board of Education Supports Lunar New Year School Closure

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The Bernards Township School District Board of Education discussed adding Lunar New Year as a recognized holiday to close schools during the holiday. While the board did not officially vote on the change, all members expressed support for the addition, citing the growing diversity of the student population and the importance of the holiday to the local Asian community.

Why it matters

Recognizing Lunar New Year as an official school holiday would allow students and families of Asian descent to celebrate the important cultural tradition. The move also reflects the changing demographics of the Bernards Township school district and the board's commitment to being inclusive of its diverse student population.

The details

During a recent board meeting, the Policy Committee reported that the majority of its members were in favor of making Lunar New Year a day off to celebrate the holiday. Several board members, including those with personal connections to the Asian community, voiced their support for the addition. However, some concerns were raised about the potential impact on the school calendar, with board members noting the need to avoid pushing the end of the school year too far into June.

• The Bernards Township Board of Education discussed adding Lunar New Year as a school holiday at its February 9, 2026 meeting.
• The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026 at 7 p.m.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Bernards Township School District Board of Education is expected to formally vote on adding Lunar New Year as a recognized school holiday at its next meeting on February 23, 2026.