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Howard County Public Schools Press Release May 23, 2024 The Howard County Board of Education at its public meeting today (05/23/2024) announced that current Acting Superintendent for the Howard County Public School System, William J. Barnes, will become the permanent superintendent, effective July 1, 2024. Barnes has served as Acting Superintendent since Jan. 10, 2024, following the retirement of Dr. Michael Martirano. After a comprehensive nationwide search and interview process, the Board chose Barnes to serve as just the eighth superintendent for the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) since 1949. The agreement is pending contract negotiations and approval by the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carey Wright. “We appreciate Mr. Barnes’ continued service to our youth and are thrilled that he has stepped forward to lead our school system,” said Board of Education Chair Jennifer Swickard Mallo. “We look forward to his commitment to change in instructional leadership as well as his ability to innovate and fulfill the promise of the Blueprint for Education. He brings to the job many years of experience and roles at HCPSS in the Division of Academics, his national reputation as a leader in Mathematics instruction, and keen mind for problem solving. He demonstrated agility as he stepped into the Acting Superintendent role, collaboratively worked with our county funders, and demonstrated heartfelt compassion during challenging budget times. At his core, Mr. Barnes believes in the potential for greatness of Howard County students and for the Howard County Public School System. The Board looks forward to supporting his efforts to make this a reality.” “I am honored and humbled by the Board’s endorsement for me to continue to serve the students, staff and families as superintendent of the Howard County Public School System,” said Barnes. “I look forward to all we will accomplish together as we lift all students to even greater levels of achievement and fulfillment. My work will remain grounded by the students, teachers, support staff, families, and community members I show up for each day and whose voices and perspectives will inform our journey forward.” Prior to becoming Acting Superintendent in January, Barnes served as the HCPSS Chief Academic Officer since 2017, overseeing the departments of Special Education, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and Program Innovation and Student Well-Being. He prioritized recruiting, developing and retaining leaders throughout those departments. Following receiving an undergrad degree from Towson University and a Masters degree from Johns Hopkins, Barnes began his career with HCPSS in 2008, serving as the Coordinator of Secondary Mathematics and Director of Secondary and PreK-12 Curricular Programs. Prior to that, he served as a high school math teacher. Throughout his extensive career in education, he has held multiple leadership roles on state and national committees, panels, and groups; primarily focused on mathematics education. He has committed his entire career to enhancing educational outcomes for all students. As a teacher, Barnes received National Board Certification and was awarded Maryland’s prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2003, the highest award bestowed upon a mathematics teacher in Maryland. Source: Howard County Public School News

Somerset County Public Schools Press Release June 02, 2024 The Somerset County Board of Education has announced its decision to select Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell as the next Superintendent of Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS). Upon conclusion of a national search, Tasker-Mitchell emerged as the most qualified candidate to assume the role of Superintendent of Schools. Subject to formal appointment and approval of a contract, she will succeed Dr. John Gaddis, who served as Superintendent from 2013 to 2024, upon his retirement on June 30. Board of Education Chairman, Mr. Bill McInturff shared, “We are fortunate for the opportunity to appoint a professional of Dr. Tasker-Mitchell’s caliber to lead our school system. Our decision has been approved by the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carey Wright, and we look forward to beginning to work with Dr. Tasker-Mitchell this summer. Together, we are optimistic about meeting our challenges and helping our students reach their academic potential while readying them for future success. The Board is grateful to Dr. Gaddis for his service to our community and we wish him well in his retirement.” The Board plans to take formal action on the new Superintendent’s contract at its meeting on June 18, 2024. Tasker-Mitchell will officially begin as Superintendent on July 1, 2024. Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell, recently named the next Superintendent of Somerset County Public Schools, will assume duties on July 1, 2024, pending contract negotiations & formal action by the Somerset Board of Education at the June 18, 2024 regular meeting. Source: Somerset County Public School News

May 09, 2024 Kent County, Maryland - The Chester River Yacht and Country Club was filled with warmth and gratitude as friends, colleagues, and community members gathered to honor the distinguished career of Dr. Karen Couch, Superintendent of Kent County Public Schools. The Career and Retirement Soiree, hosted by the Kent County Public Schools Education Foundation Fund, was a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Couch's decades of service and leadership in education. The evening commenced with a gracious welcome from Dan Divilio, setting the tone for an evening of reflection and celebration. Pastor Leon Frision offered a heartfelt blessing before dinner, acknowledging Dr. Couch's profound impact on the lives of students and educators throughout her career. Adding to the festivities, the Kent County High School Jazz Band delivered a mesmerizing musical performance, showcasing the talent and vibrancy of the district's students. Dr. Karen Couch's journey in education began in 1980 as a dedicated teacher in New Mexico. Her passion for learning and unwavering commitment to excellence propelled her through various leadership roles, culminating in her appointment as Superintendent of Kent County Public Schools in 2013. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Couch's visionary leadership has transformed the educational landscape of Kent County. Under her guidance, the district has witnessed significant advancements in student achievement, innovation in teaching practices, and a steadfast commitment to equity and inclusion. As Dr. Couch prepares to retire on July 1st, the evening served as an opportunity to express gratitude for her tireless dedication and to celebrate the profound impact she has made on generations of students and educators. In the spirit of giving back, proceeds from the celebration will go to the Kent County Public Schools Education Foundation Fund. This fund supports school field trips and provides essential resources through teacher mini-grants, ensuring that Dr. Couch's legacy of excellence continues to enrich the lives of students well into the future. In her letter to the Kent County Public Schools community announcing her retirement, Dr. Couch reflectively wrote, "As I begin a new chapter, I know that our work has laid a strong foundation for continued student success. The legacy of our efforts is not in the programs we’ve started or the facilities we’ve renovated, but in the lives of the students we’ve touched. I am confident that KCPS will continue to nurture and inspire every child who walks through its doors, and I eagerly anticipate hearing about their future successes." As Dr. Couch embarks on the next chapter of her life, her legacy of leadership and commitment to educational excellence will continue to inspire and uplift all who have had the privilege of working alongside her. Source: Kent County Public Schools

May 10, 2024 By: MSDE Media Contact - John White john.white3@maryland.gov Four Maryland HS Seniors Honored as 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars BALTIMORE (May 10, 2024) – Four Maryland students are among this year’s U.S. Presidential Scholars, an annual program that honors the nation’s top-performing high school students in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. Maximilian P. Belyantsev and Angelina Xu, Richard Montgomery High School (Montgomery County); Mingni L. Dong, Dulaney High School (Baltimore County); and Minaal A. Khwaja, Wicomico High School (Wicomico County) are among the 161 high school seniors nationwide selected for the honor by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars. “We could not be more proud that four of our state’s brightest students have achieved this prestigious honor,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “Our scholars exemplify excellence in Maryland public education.” Since 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has recognized and honored some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts, and expanded in 2015 to honor students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars. Thirteen Maryland students were semifinalists this year. For more information, visit www.ed.gov/psp. Source: Maryland News Featured Image Credit: The Reporter

April 28, 2024 By: Eye on Annapolis Staff Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) has again been recognized as among the best school systems in the nation for its efforts to serve nutritious and appealing meals to children through the summer months when school is not in session. The school system is the only one in the state to earn the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Turnip the Beet Award. AACPS earned a Silver Award, the third through the program in the last seven years. The school system also earned Silver Awards in 2017 and 2021. USDA created the awards to showcase agencies that are going above and beyond to ensure that children and teens are receiving high-quality meals that are both nutritious and appetizing. “These vital partners help fill a hunger and nutrition void, playing a meaningful role in making sure children have the nutrition they need to learn, grow and thrive,” USDA said in announcing the honorees. AACPS served nearly 94,000 meals at 60 locations last summer. “One of my first programmatic visits when I arrived as Superintendent two years ago was to see our summer meals program in action,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell. “I continue to be amazed and inspired at the lengths to which our Food and Nutrition Services team goes to ensure that students across our county have healthy meals, even when school is not in session.” The USDA Free Summer Meals Program is administered in Maryland by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and is critical in the lives of youth whose risk for food insecurity increases during the summer months when they no longer have access to school meals. Summer meals can assist in alleviating summertime food insecurity, and can positively impact children’s growth and development by offering nutritious meals and encouraging children and teens to develop healthy habits at a young age. High quality summer meals provide daily energy and help make sure children are healthy and ready to learn when they return to school in the fall. AACPS’ 2024 summer meals program begins on Monday, June 17, 2024. Meal site locations will be published later this spring. Source: Eye on Annapolis

April 18, 2024 By: AACPS Communications Office Bodkin Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Bradley Absher arrived at an assembly today expecting to celebrate the school’s recent gifted and talented accomplishments as well as hear from State Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright. However, shortly after the program began, the true purpose of the assembly was revealed. In a surprise announcement in front of the school’s students and staff who were lovingly cheering, Absher learned that his exceptional work as an educator has earned him $25,000 and a Milken Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation! “I just can’t believe it,” said Absher still in shock from the surprise. “I just love this school. I love every moment of my job, but it is nice to be recognized for all of the hard work and long hours that we put in. Honestly, the best recognition was to hear the students, even ones that I don’t teach, chanting my name.” In addition to Dr. Wright, Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell was on hand to celebrate the news. Absher is one of two Maryland recipients of the award and one of 75 nationwide this year. “Mr. Absher is an amazing role model for our students,” says Bodkin Elementary School Principal Bonnie Myers. “His enthusiasm for learning is sincere. Year after year, he takes on more leadership responsibilities. He can’t wait to learn more to grow in his field. He is such a great representative of the quality of teachers in our Bodkin family.” A short time after the assembly ended, Absher invited the special guests to visit with his “Mad About Math” club where they were able to hear from students about his indelible impact on their lives. “He’s probably the best teacher that anyone could have,” says a student. “He’s prepared us to do middle school stuff. We know exactly what to do and we’re ready.” The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards program provides public recognition and financial rewards to elementary and secondary schoolteachers, principals, and other education professionals who are furthering excellence in education. By honoring outstanding educators, the program strives to attract, develop, motivate, and retain talented people to the challenge and adventure of teaching. Source: Anne Arundel County Public Schools News Release

April 18, 2024 By: Kevin McManus She received the honor during a school assembly on Thursday. Maggie Arnold (center) being presented with a $25,000 award (Photo from the Frederick County School System) Frederick, Md (KM) A Frederick High math teacher was honored on Thursday. During an assembly at the school, Maggie Arnold was announced as the recipient of the 2023 Milken Educator Award. She was presented with a $25,000 unrestricted award. During the assembly, Milken representative Greg Gallagher announced that  Arnold was the winner of this award. “Teaching is what I was meant to do,” Arnold said, clearly touched band surprised by the announcement, according to a news release from Frederick County Public Schools. Arnold emigrated to the United States as a youth, who found her calling as a math teacher. The Milken Education Awards were created by philanthropist Lowell Milken in 1987 to honor early and mid-career education professionals for their achievements, and support what they hope to accomplish in the future. 2,992 Milken Educator Awards have been presented over the years. The first one in Frederick County was presented in 2015 to Yellow Springs Elementary School teacher Maggie Hawk, who was in the audience during Thursday’s announcement. Arnold is in her fourth year as a math teacher at Frederick High School. . She also advises  the Asian-American Alliance. She is known for being both demanding and encouraging to students, telling them anything is possible if they’re willing to work for it, FCPS  says. On hand for the presentation were Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools, Doctor Cheryl Dyson, Interim State Superintendent Doctor Carey Wright, and local elected officials. Source: WFMD: Frederick's Free Talk

April 05, 2024 A hearty congratulations to Dr. Raegon Clutz, Jr, principal of Pangborn Elementary in Washington County Public Schools and Melissa Shindel of Glenwood Middle School in Howard County Public Schools for being honored as the 2024 Maryland National Distinguished Principals. The National Distinguished Principal (NDP) Program is a recognition program from the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). NAESP's National Distinguished Principal program was created in 1984 to "recognize elementary and middle level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character and climate for the students, families and staffs in their learning communities." Every year since, NDPs are recognized from Pre-K through 8th grade public and private schools nationwide, as well as from overseas. Elementary and middle- level principals are nominated by peers of their state and then final selections are made by committees appointed by NAESP's state affiliate offices. Those from private schools and overseas schools are selected additionally by special committees. The National Association of Elementary School Principals in collaboration with the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) have recognized Dr. Raegon Clutz, Jr and Melissa Schindel as award recipients as the 2024 National Distinguished Principals for Maryland. Please read more about each individual and their contributions and achievements below. Dr. Raegon Clutz, Jr. Pangborn Elementary Washington County Public Schools Our elementary level 2024 National Distinguished Principal is Dr. Raegon Clutz, Jr. from Washington County Public Schools.  Dr. Clutz has been a successful leader in Washington County Public Schools as a principal and assistant principal.  He has led one of the largest and most diverse Title I schools as a hands-on servant leader.  Dr. Clutz has engaged collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and staff to plan and deliver effective and rigorous instruction.  His nominators noted that he goes above and beyond to support the community.  He has served on the board of directors for the local health authority, as well as on the board for the local little league, and for Leadership Washington County.  Dr. Clutz is considered by his peers to be a solutions-focused leader who always seeks win-win outcomes. Melissa Shindel Glenwood Middle School Howard County Public Schools Our middle-level 2024 National Distinguished Principal is Melissa Shindel from Howard County Public Schools.  Her nominators shared that Ms. Shindel is an extraordinary leader whose dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence have had a profound effect on the multiple schools and communities she has served.  They also noted that Ms. Shindel engages and creates partnerships with all stakeholders.  The personal and professional well-being of her staff comes first as she advocates for a balanced approach to work and life.  The PTA president at Glenwood expressed her thanks for the positive atmosphere Ms. Shindel has created.  She also praised her for her visibility within the school and her innate ability to connect with students. Source: Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals

BILL: HB 730 TITLE: Education - Public Middle Schools - Course on Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction DATE: April 02, 2024 POSITION: Oppose COMMITTEE: Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee CONTACT: Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director, PSSAM The Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM), on behalf of all twenty-four public school superintendents, opposes House Bill 730. This bill requires the State Department of Education to develop an instructive program on the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction for public middle school students in the State; providing for the method of administering the instructive program; and generally relating an instructive program on the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction for public middle school students. PSSAM has a longstanding policy of opposing efforts by the General Assembly to codify curriculum standards, assessments, or graduation requirements. Local superintendents strongly believe that the role of curriculum development and implementation belongs solely to local boards of education in conjunction with MSDE. Rest assured, PSSAM’s opposition to this bill does not rest on an evaluation of the merits of teaching any specified subject matter, but rather opposition to statutorily mandating revisions to content standards and curriculum. The Maryland General Assembly, in creating the Maryland State Board of Education and local boards of education, has delegated to them the responsibility of delivering a high-quality statewide system of public education through State standards and accountability measures, as well as locally governed and administered curriculum. The State Board establishes State content frameworks, state assessment standards, and minimum state graduation requirements, while each local board and school system implement locally-developed curriculum to ensure that the state content frameworks are followed, student performance standards are met, and students are prepared to meet graduation requirements. Superintendents are committed to providing students with a comprehensive, well-rounded education through curriculum that is implemented after proper stakeholder input is received and review processes are completed in each individual system. However, as it stands, this bill would require all local systems to expend additional funds in curriculum and assessment creation that are not provided under the bill’s current language. Therefore, this bill serves as an unfunded mandate for all twenty-four local systems. Again, PSSAM’s opposition to this bill rests on the implications of curricular mandates on local school systems. House Bill 730, alongside similar bills which seek to interject or extract piecemeal segments of the curriculum, only serve to weaken the effectiveness of the overall educational curriculum. For these reasons, PSSAM opposes House Bill 730 and urges an unfavorable report

BILL: HB 620 TITLE: Education - Sexual Abuse and Assault Awareness and Prevention Program - Human and Sex Trafficking DATE: April 2, 2024 POSITION: Oppose COMMITTEE: Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee CONTACT: Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director, PSSAM This bill requires that age-appropriate education program on the awareness and prevention of sexual abuse and assault be developed and implemented by the State Board of Education and certain nonpublic schools, for students in grades 6 through 8, material promoting the awareness and prevention of human and sex trafficking. PSSAM is supportive of the intent of this bill, but must oppose due to our core philosophy that curriculum decisions are left to superintendents and their local boards of education. However, it is important to note that many local school systems are currently incorporating these important topics in their health curriculum. Under current law each local school system must provide a comprehensive health education program for all students in prekindergarten through grade 8, and offer an education program in grades 9 through 12 that enables students to meet graduation requirements, and to select health education electives. In order to graduate from a public high school in Maryland, students must complete one credit of health; this was changed from a half credit requirement two years ago. Moving to a full credit will give additional time to address the specific concerns of human and sex trafficking without a mandate from the Legislature. PSSAM thanks the sponsor for his interest and advocacy but firmly believes decisions regarding curriculum belong to superintendents and local boards of education working together with the State Board of Education.

April 02, 2024 Applications are live now for the second year of the first-in-the nation Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Program. The program will begin on September 11, 2024 and run through summer 2025. Service has been an integral part of Governor Wes Moore's administration. Early in his first term as Governor he created the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation which generated two new streams of service, Service Year Option and Maryland Corps. When Governor Moore announced the Service Year Option program he was quoted in saying, "Whether they're preparing our state for climate change, tutoring our students, or caring for the sick, young people should have the option to perform important service today and build a foundation for our shared future." What is the Maryland Corps/Service Year option? This is a way to service your community, explore career opportunities and experience professional growth while earning a salary, gaining new skills and finding your talents alongside other Marylanders. Service opportunities will provide direct training, an on-site mentor and relevant resources while earning at least a minimum of $15 an hour while completing your service role. At completion of the program, members will earn a contribution of $6,000 toward tuition costs through a Maryland 529 account or as a cash stipend. Learn more about the success of the inaugural year of this first-in the nation Maryland Corps/Service Year Option from Governor Wes Moore and three current Corps/Service Year members. Considering applying? Find more information by visiting the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation web page. You can also send any questions about serving in the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Program to applytoserve@maryland.gov. Source: Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation

'A chat with Sean Bulson, superintendent of Harford County Public Schools in Maryland, about the importance of resiliency and how he stays energized in such a difficult profession.' March 19, 2024 Dr. Sean Bulson, Maryland Superintendent of the Year, of Harford County Public Schools was recently featured on "Talking Out of School Podcast" hosted by Micah Ward and Matt Zalaznick. The conversation focuses on how important it is for district leaders to remain resilient through the challenges that come in the continuous ever shifting terrain of education. Dr. Bulson is in his 6th year as Superintendent of Harford County Public Schools, in his 11th year overall. He shares advice with new and upcoming superintendent leadership on how to be effective while still making personal well-being a priority. Photo features Maryland Superintendent of the Year for 2023, Dr. Sean Bulson from Harford County Public Schools. Dr. Buslon is quoted as saying, "Superintendents are bombarded with a million things a day. It’s up to you as a leader to discern which are “the fire drills” and which aren’t. You learn how much to worry." You can listen to the episode from "Talking Out of Schools" podcast anytime on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean. Source: District Administration