Quincy has approved the addition of Lunar New Year as an official school holiday, becoming one of the few districts in Massachusetts to close schools in observance of the holiday. The decision, made by a unanimous 6-0 vote on May 20, follows years of efforts and community advocacy in a city where nearly 30 percent of the population identifies as Asian, according to U.S. Census data.

The move addresses long-standing concerns from families and students who felt the school system had been slow to recognize one of the most significant cultural holidays celebrated by many in the community. Prior to the vote, a notable portion of students, especially at North Quincy High School, frequently missed school on Lunar New Year, with absence rates as high as 55 percent in 2025. Some educators noted that lessons planned for that day often ended up being minimal or repetitive, since students celebrating the holiday would be absent.

Efforts to include Lunar New Year as a school holiday go back to at least 2021, when a proposal led by former school board member Frank Santoro failed to secure approval. Persistent advocacy and public support culminated in the election of two new school committee members, Tom Leung and Kate Campbell, in November. Their addition provided the necessary votes to pass the measure, with Leung commenting that the split previously had been between a longstanding group opposed to recognizing the holiday and supporters who sought its inclusion.

School Committee member Courtney Perdios, an advocate for the measure before joining the committee, described the approval as an inevitable step that brought elation to many families. The holiday’s inclusion is seen by supporters as a recognition of cultural heritage and an effort to promote equity and belonging in a diverse city. Quincy resident Olivia King emphasized in written testimony that formally recognizing Lunar New Year goes beyond symbolism, representing a meaningful acknowledgment of the city’s Asian community.

The new holiday will not take effect until 2028 because Lunar New Year falls on a Saturday in 2026 and 2027, and the current policy does not provide for a weekday observance in such cases. Other Massachusetts districts, including Lexington, Wayland, and Milton, also recognize Lunar New Year, though practices vary. Milton rotates religious and cultural holidays each year, with Lunar New Year slated as a day off in 2027.

State education officials do not currently track how many districts close for Lunar New Year, but Quincy's decision highlights an increasing awareness of the holiday’s significance and a growing push for inclusivity in school calendars.