Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

4 days ago

Allegheny County Board approves guest-speaker, student-search and metal-detector policies effective July 1 On April 14 the Allegheny County Board of Education unanimously approved three policies — IJOB (guest speakers), a revised JIH (student search, seizure, arrest and questioning) with repeal of the prior policy, and JIHC (use of handheld metal detectors) — slated to take effect July 1.

The Allegheny County Board of Education has unanimously approved significant policy changes, including new guidelines for guest speakers and student searches, set to take effect on July 1.

Learn more here

#MD #CivicAccountability #PolicyReform #CitizenPortal #MarylandEducation #SchoolSafety

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 week ago

Students and advocates press for state-supported Asian American history resources and teacher training Delegate Valderrama and student witnesses urged a favorable report on HB1059, which would require MSDE to develop professional development and age-appropriate materials to help teachers incorporate Asian American history into social-studies instruction.

A groundbreaking bill in Maryland could transform how Asian American history is taught in classrooms, empowering educators with the resources they need to accurately represent this vital part of American history.

Learn more here

#MD #EducationalResources #CitizenPortal #MarylandEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 week ago

Students and industry advocates ask MSDE to study expanding robotics and STEM access statewide HB531 would direct MSDE to study STEM and robotics efforts and the feasibility of competitive/varsity robotics; student FTC teams and community leaders said costs and uneven access limit participation and urged state-supported study and resources.

Maryland is taking a bold step to bridge the gap in STEM and robotics education, but can we afford to leave future innovators behind?

Click to read more!

#MD #RoboticsEquity #CitizenPortal #STEMAccess #MarylandEducation #WorkforceDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 week ago

State education leaders urge favorable report on Compass Act to refocus school accountability on growth Supporters told the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee that House Bill 15-82 (the Compass Act) would redesign Maryland's school-reporting system to emphasize student growth and clearer outcome measures rather than indicators that strongly correlate with student poverty.

Maryland's Compass Act aims to revolutionize school accountability by prioritizing student growth over traditional metrics, ensuring every school is measured fairly.

Learn more here

#MD #CitizenPortal #StudentGrowth #EducationReform #SchoolAccountability #MarylandEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 week ago

Committee adopts amendments and advances emergency 'Maryland Values Act' requiring school notification of immigration enforcement The committee adopted conforming amendments to House Bill 13‑41 (Maryland Values Act of 2026), including a courthouse‑policy timing provision, and moved the emergency bill favorable as amended; the motion carried with one dissenting red vote from Senator Carrozza.

Maryland's Emergency 'Values Act' just took a significant step forward, mandating schools to notify officials about immigration enforcement actions—what does this mean for our communities?

Click to read more!

#MD #CivicAccountability #ImmigrationPolicy #CitizenPortal #MarylandEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 week ago

Board approves COMAR amendments on teacher licensure, reciprocal discipline and therapist compacts The board voted to publish and adopt several COMAR amendments: removing a fixed July 15 resignation date from licensure discipline rules, granting the state superintendent discretion in reciprocal discipline cases, and adopting compact/reciprocity language for therapists to practice in Maryland schools.

The Maryland board has just approved significant amendments to educator licensure regulations, removing rigid deadlines and enhancing flexibility for therapists to practice in schools.

Learn more here!

#MD #CitizenPortal #InterstateCompact #LicensureReform #MarylandEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 week ago

Legislative update: state education bills mostly crossing over as session nears end Staff presented a roundup of education bills at or nearing the governor's desk, including licensing portability measures, a school‑psychologist compact, and a platform‑specific educator identification bill; several bills did not cross over and will be revisited next year.

Major education bills are on the brink of becoming law, but some will have to wait until 2027—are you ready for the changes ahead?

Click to read more!

#MD #CitizenPortal #CredentialPortability #MarylandEducation #TeacherLicensing #LegislativeUpdate

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

MLDS director urges committee to approve bill allowing limited third‑party data center access for multistate student reporting Ross Goldstein, executive director of the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center, told the Ways and Means Committee that Senate Bill 56 would permit the MLDS governing board to authorize the center to provide individual-level student and workforce data to a third-party data center for multistate reporting, subject to specified criteria; he said the measure is cross-filed with House Bill 293 and urged approval.

Maryland's Senate Bill 56 could revolutionize how we understand student outcomes by allowing third-party access to crucial data—are we ready for this game-changing move?

Click to read more!

#MD #DataTransparency #CitizenPortal #StudentOutcomes #MarylandEducation #WorkforceDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Sponsor seeks model policy for school responses to misconduct allegations; advocates urge support Sen. Don Guile presented SB 685, directing MSDE to develop a model policy for responding to allegations of ****** misconduct in schools including parent notification, trauma-informed resources and after-action reviews; an advocacy witness told the committee the bill would better support families.

Sen. Don Guile's new bill aims to transform how schools handle misconduct allegations, ensuring parents are informed and resources are readily available for families in need.

Click to read more!

#MD #CitizenPortal #TraumaInformedResources #ParentalNotification #MarylandEducation #SchoolSafety

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

House advances commission to review historic, cultural and civic contributions in Maryland education The House adopted committee amendments to a bill creating a commission to review Maryland's curriculum for representation of diverse historic, cultural and civic contributions; proponents say it will deliver recommendations to MSDE and higher education bodies, while some members asked whether religious instruction and curricular changes would be mandatory.

The Maryland House of Delegates is taking a bold step towards inclusivity in education by establishing a commission to ensure the state's curriculum reflects diverse historical and cultural contributions.

Learn more here

#MD #DiversityInclusion #CitizenPortal #CurriculumReview #MarylandEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

Board appoints Dr. Kibler as Queen Anne's County superintendent The Queen Anne's County Board of Education voted unanimously Feb. 4 to appoint Dr. Kibler as superintendent for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2026; members praised his operational leadership and pledged support as he moves from interim to permanent status.

Dr. Kibler has been appointed as the new superintendent of Queen Anne's County, promising a focus on student achievement and safety starting July 1, 2026.

Learn more here!

#MD #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #MarylandEducation #FiscalTransparency #StudentSafety

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

Garrett County board previews Fiscal 2027 budget, to seek $1.5 million from county At a March 10 special work session the board outlined Fiscal 2027 priorities — including a 5.1% teacher salary step and rising health insurance costs — and said it will ask county commissioners for a $1.5 million increase above the state minimum to sustain programs and staffing.

Garrett County's Board of Education is set to request an additional $1.5 million from county commissioners to sustain vital programs and address rising costs in their upcoming Fiscal 2027 budget.

Learn more here!

#MD #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #TeacherSupport #MarylandEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

Wicomico County officials flag low kindergarten readiness scores, defend new online KRA and outline supports District supervisors and board members debated the new Maryland KRA vendor, administration practices and early results after Wicomico assessed about 1,200 kindergarten students; presenters described local testing adjustments, instructional supports, and social–emotional screening data.

Wicomico County's new KRA assessment reveals concerning kindergarten readiness scores, sparking debate on testing practices and support for early learners.

Get the details!

#MD #CitizenPortal #StudentReadiness #EarlyChildhoodSupport #MarylandEducation #AssessmentReform

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

MSDE: Maryland teacher vacancies fall, but program completers are declining; $19.4M Grow Your Own grants launch MSDE reported a midyear decline in teacher vacancies to roughly 726.5 statewide and growth in nationally board‑certified teachers, while completers from preparation programs declined; the department highlighted a $19.4 million Grow Your Own grant opportunity to build pipelines.

Maryland's teacher vacancies have drastically decreased, but a concerning decline in program completers reveals a looming crisis in the education pipeline.

Learn more here!

#MD #CitizenPortal #WorkforceDiversity #TeacherVacancies #EducationPipeline #MarylandEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

MSDE releases K–12 AI guidance and planning tools for districts Maryland State Department of Education staff unveiled a statewide AI guidance framework, an LEA planning guide, teacher resource guidance, and evaluation rubrics instructing districts on procurement, privacy and classroom use; MSDE emphasized flexible guidance, professional learning needs, and a statewide AI hub.

Maryland is paving the way for responsible AI use in K-12 schools with a comprehensive guidance package that prioritizes student privacy and empowers educators.

Click to read more!

#MD #DigitalDivide #CitizenPortal #MarylandEducation #AIEducation #DataPrivacy

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

Board adopts FY27 budget basis, approves technical adjustments and restores dozens of positions Board adopted the superintendent's FY27 recommended budget as the basis for its requested budget, approved technical revenue/expenditure adjustments reflecting updated state and local projections, and approved a slate of restorations and additions (science paraeducators, media specialists, middle-school paraeducators, multilingual teachers, and training).

The Howard County Board of Education just took a bold step by adopting a robust FY27 budget that restores essential staff positions and enhances educational resources for students!

Learn more here.

#MD #CitizenPortal #BudgetAccountability #EducationReform #SpecialEducation #MarylandEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

Board narrows Built to Learn choices, approves alternate capital plan after heated debate Staff presented three alternate plans to allocate remaining Build to Learn Act funds; after lengthy discussion about equity, facility condition and program needs, the board adopted Alternate Plan 1 and approved the FY27 capital budget and 10‑year plan, votes carried 5–2.

After intense debate over equity and facility conditions, the Howard County Board of Education has approved a new capital plan to allocate $75.5 million in Build to Learn Act funds.

Click to read more!

#MD #CitizenPortal #EquityInEducation #FacilityCondition #MarylandEducation #CapitalPlanning

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

Ways and Means reviews a raft of education bills on Feb. 25, 2026 The committee took testimony on numerous K–12 education bills ranging from teacher-prep and classroom time to school safety, open enrollment, water-safety curriculum, and a proposed statewide financial-literacy graduation requirement.

Maryland's House Ways and Means Committee is tackling pivotal education bills aimed at enhancing school safety, teacher preparation, and financial literacy for students.

Learn more here!

#MD #CitizenPortal #FinancialLiteracy #MarylandEducation #TeacherPreparation #SchoolSafety

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency is navigating the booming world of mobile sports wagering while tackling illegal online gaming, with $135 million at stake for state priorities.

Learn more here!

#MD #CitizenPortal #FiscalPolicy #SportsWagering #OnlineGaming #MarylandEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

Parents and students urge PGCPS to preserve immersion and IB pathways after budget proposals Dozens of parents, students and local officials urged the Prince George's County Board of Education to retain language immersion and International Baccalaureate programs, saying the proposed FY27 cuts would break long-standing K–12 pathways; the administration proposed an "Option B" to convert some neighborhood immersion programs to in-school lottery models.

Parents and students are fighting to save vital language immersion and IB programs in Prince George's County, warning that proposed budget cuts could jeopardize academic futures.

Learn more here

#MD #CitizenPortal #CollegeReadiness #StudentPrivacy #MarylandEducation #LanguageImmersion

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

Subcommittee backs interstate licensure compact for school psychologists The K-12 Education Subcommittee gave a favorable recommendation to House Bill 340, an interstate compact to streamline licensure for school psychologists; members noted regional adoption already under way and said Maryland law largely meets compact requirements.

Maryland is taking a bold step towards educational excellence by advancing a new interstate licensure compact for school psychologists, paving the way for seamless mobility and collaboration across states!

Click to read more!

#MD #CitizenPortal #SchoolPsychologists #MarylandEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

Analysts flag insurance claims and fund reserves in State Treasurer’s FY27 allowance Department of Legislative Services told the Education Subcommittee that two-thirds of the State Treasurer’s budget is reimbursable funds for the state self-insurance program and recommended further analysis of catastrophic insurance options after balances fell below actuarial targets; the treasurer agreed to follow up on audit questions.

The State Treasurer's budget is facing a significant $6.5 million increase in insurance premiums, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability and potential risks ahead.

Click to read more!

#MD #InsuranceReform #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #MarylandEducation #FiscalResponsibility

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

1 month ago

Senators press MHEC on audit failures, late mandated reports and delays in new financial‑aid system Members of the subcommittee pressed the Maryland Higher Education Commission over Office of Legislative Audits findings from 2020–2023, an increase in missed mandated reports, and delays and cost uncertainty for the MD SIS financial aid modernization project; MHEC leadership said most audit recommendations are resolved and described reforms underway.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission faces scrutiny over rampant audit failures and missed deadlines, sparking concerns about the future of student financial aid.

Get the details!

#MD #ComplianceIssues #CitizenPortal #AuditTransparency #MarylandEducation #FinancialAidReform

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

2 months ago

Senate lays over data‑sharing bill after privacy questions; chief data officer sign‑off added Senate Bill 56 would allow the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center to share individual student/workforce records with third‑party data centers for multistate research, but senators raised privacy and implementation questions and the bill was laid over for technical fixes.

Senate Bill 56, aimed at enhancing multistate research by sharing student and workforce data, faces scrutiny over privacy concerns, prompting a temporary hold for further examination.

Click to read more!

#MD #MultistateResearch #CitizenPortal #StudentOutcomes #MarylandEducation #DataPrivacy

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

2 months ago

Board focuses on in-district behavioral supports as first step for alternative-education needs The board reviewed three Level 2 alternative-education options (a TCPS-only model at ~$500,000; a regional partnership at ~$1,000,000; and an in-house option focused on behavioral therapy/case management). Staff said ALA2 currently serves seven students; the board favored adding behavioral supports (option c) as an initial, lower-cost priority and asked for more county input on the regional model.

Talbot County Board of Education is taking significant steps to support students struggling in traditional classrooms by exploring innovative alternative-education options.

Learn more here

#MD #StudentWellbeing #BehavioralSupports #CitizenPortal #MarylandEducation #AlternativeEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

2 months ago

At a glance: Talbot County Board votes Feb. 11 — agenda, minutes, closed session, budget, calendar, personnel, superintendent reappointment The Talbot County Board of Education recorded several formal votes on Feb. 11, 2026: moving into closed session, approving the agenda and minutes, approving the FY27 budget, adopting Calendar A, approving the personnel report, and reappointing the superintendent to a four‑year term.

The Talbot County Board of Education made key decisions on budget, personnel, and the superintendent's reappointment during their February 11 meeting.

Get the details!

#MD #SuperintendentReappointment #CitizenPortal #BudgetApproval #PersonnelDecisions #MarylandEducation

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

2 months ago

Talbot County Board approves FY27 budget; includes $800,000 placeholder for weapons detection system The board approved a revised FY27 operating budget that includes new positions, added instructional and contracted services, and a capital request with an $800,000 placeholder for a weapons-detection system; total proposed budget presented as $100.9 million.

The Talbot County Board of Education just approved a $100.9 million budget for FY27, featuring new positions and a significant $800,000 placeholder for a weapons-detection system!

Learn more here

#MD #CitizenPortal #EducationalInnovation #MarylandEducation #SchoolSafety #BudgetTransparency

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

2 months ago

MSDE headquarters budget rises but auditors and DLS flag oversight, unspent federal funds and contract lapses DLS told the committee MSDE's FY27 headquarters allowance rises to $409.7 million while raising concerns: large encumbered federal funds (including $97 million for food services), audit findings on hiring/licensing and procurement, a $700,000 noncompetitive contract flagged by OLA, MCAP assessment cost overruns, and calls from public witnesses to increase the hate-crimes grant.

Maryland's MSDE budget is set to rise by $14.7 million, but alarming oversight issues and millions in unspent federal funds have lawmakers demanding answers.

Get the details!

#MD #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #MarylandEducation #FiscalTransparency #SchoolSafety

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

2 months ago

Community presses board to restore Oakland Mills and Centennial renovations to capital plan Speakers from Oakland Mills and Centennial urged the board to restore long‑deferred renovations to the FY27 capital plan, citing lead in drinking fountains, failing HVAC, porta‑potty sanitation issues and a history of promised but delayed funding.

Community members are demanding urgent action from the Howard County Board of Education to restore critical renovations for the long-neglected Oakland Mills and Centennial High Schools.

Get the details!

#MD #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureReform #MarylandEducation #CommunityEquity #SchoolSafety

Citizen Portal News Maryland

@citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social

2 months ago

Students and advocates urge MCPS to restore restorative funding after spike in suspensions Students, youth organizers and community groups told the board that suspensions have spiked and disproportionately affected Black, Latino and special-education students, urging restoration of restorative justice coach stipends and clearer implementation of restorative practices.

Students are demanding action as out-of-school suspensions soar by nearly 29%, urging the Board of Education to prioritize restorative practices over punitive measures.

Click to read more!

#MD #CitizenPortal #DisciplinaryReform #RestorativeJustice #MarylandEducation #YouthAdvocacy