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BILL: HB 200 TITLE: Community Schools - Alterations DATE: January 30, 2024 POSITION: Support with Amendments COMMITTEE: House Appropriations 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, supports House Bill 200 with amendments. This bill authorizes a local school board for a school system with fewer than 40 eligible schools under the Concentration of Poverty Grant (CPG) program to expend up to 10% of personnel grant and per pupil grant funds on behalf of eligible schools, provided that a plan to meet specified current law requirements is submitted to the Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB). The State Director of Community Schools must, in consultation with local school systems and members of the community schools’ leadership team, create a common needs assessment tool that each community school shall use. Programs and services provided to CPG-eligible schools must prioritize areas of greatest needs according to the most recent needs assessment plan. The definitions of “community school” and of “wraparound services” are altered. The establishment and expansion of community schools has been one of the most impactful and successful initiatives in the implementation of Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. PSSAM is pleased to see the exponential growth in community schools and the corresponding academic improvements and positive community impact. Allowing districts with less than 40 schools to use some of their grant funding to manage the program will yield tremendous economies of scale and enhance best practices and cooperation among these smaller cohorts. Federal Title programs have long acknowledged the need to identify funding for administrative tasks, such as budgeting, contracts and grant writing, to support the hands-on work. Centralizing and supporting these tasks at the district office will allow school coordinators to concentrate on engaging families, supporting students, and collaborating with community partners. The following example from Harford County Public Schools illustrates the importance of allowing funding to be used for centralized support. Currently, their ten community schools have a combined budget of $3,957,841 with no dedicated coordination or support. In the near future, their community schools budget is expected to exceed their Title 1 budget, which currently has 6 district-support professionals. Making this much needed adjustment is extremely important to ensure funding is used efficiently and effectively. While we appreciate the increased flexibility provided by the bill for community school grant funding, we do not support the expanded authority given to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to modify the needs assessment and implementation plan for a community school before granting approval. Granting MSDE this authority to assess the merit of the broad and extensive collaborative and community-driven approach undermines the spirit of developing plans to meet the individual needs of each school. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for these schools and developing the plans and outreach with all the stakeholders can take two or more years to accomplish. Authorizing the Department to approve and make changes without being part of that intimate process runs afoul of the spirit of community schools. We support continuing the successful approach used to date where MSDE provides feedback but allows districts to make revisions aligned with their overall strategic and performance plans. Therefore, we respectfully request the removal of the language granting MSDE the ability to alter local plans and requiring final approval by the Department. For these reasons, PSSAM requests a favorable with amendments report for House Bill 200.

BILL: HB 116 TITLE: Teacher Degree Apprenticeship DATE: January 31, 2024 POSITION: Support COMMITTEE: House Ways and Means Committee CONTACT: Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director, PSSAM The Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM), on behalf of all twenty-four Maryland local school superintendents, supports House Bill 116. This bill establishes the Teacher Apprenticeship Startup Grant Program administered by the Maryland Department of Labor (MDL) to (1) provide opportunities to begin a career in education in the State to high school students, college students, and career changers; (2) develop a cohort of individuals qualified to work as paraeducators and teachers in the State; and (3) encourage local boards of education to hire apprentices. MDL may award up to $500,000 to a sponsor for development and launch of a teacher apprenticeship program from State or federal funds. A program sponsor must establish a multi-year registered apprenticeship program that develops a career path, such that level one is a tutor, level two is a paraeducator, and level three is a teacher. Local superintendents support the General Assembly's assistance and efforts to address the critical shortages of qualified teachers and school personnel. The teacher shortage in Maryland is well-documented and dire. According to the MSDE 2022-2023 First Day of School Vacancy Data Collection, there were 2,572 total vacancies, with the highest number in special education (581); these vacancies vary significantly across LEAs due to local recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, enrollment in teacher preparation programs has increased since 2017 but is still 2,300 enrollees short of the 2012 levels (Source: Title II Annual Teacher Preparation State Report). More alarmingly, teacher attrition has increased from 9.1% in 2014 to 11.2% in 2023, representing over 7,000 educators who did not return to teaching in the 22/23 school year. Lastly, the issuance of conditionally certificated teachers has increased by 136% over the last five years (MSDE - Updates on the Maryland Educator Workforce; 9-12-23 before the House Ways and Means Committee). PSSAM supports a strong apprentice model that will give students a head start on the teacher profession in a supportive academic environment for learning and hands-on teaching. When developed appropriately, apprenticeships offer a sequence of academic and occupational courses, career development, and work experience to prepare students to begin careers and to pursue lifelong learning. “In the classroom” teaching and support helps students integrate academic knowledge and occupational competence to enable students to develop the critical thinking, problem solving, employability, and technical skills required to meet the needs of a teacher in the modern classroom. Currently, twenty-three local school systems are administering very successful Grow Your Own programs with the potential to yield more than 300 teachers, 100 new paraprofessionals, and support more than 400 conditionally certificate teachers to pass license exams. PSSAM believes HB 116 will aid these existing efforts to strengthen the teacher pipeline and serve as a key resource for recruiting and supporting a more diverse workforce. The Teacher Apprenticeship Program will also help to support and highlight the benefits of teaching in the context of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future that promises increased starting salaries, clear pathways for upward mobility, and leadership growth. For these reasons, PSSAM supports House Bill 116 and requests a favorable report.

BILL: HB 47 TITLE: Education - Interscholastic and Intramural Junior Varsity and Varsity Team Designation Based on Sex (Fairness In Girls' Sports Act) DATE: January 31, 2024 POSITION: Oppose COMMITTEE: House Ways and Means Committee CONTACT: Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director, PSSAM The Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM), on behalf of all twenty-four local school superintendents, opposes House Bill 47. This bill requires an interscholastic or intramural athletic team or sport that is sponsored by a public or nonpublic high school to be expressly designated as one of the following based on biological sex: (1) a boys’, male, or men’s team or sport; (2) a girls’, female, or women’s team or sport; or (3) a coeducational or mixed team or sport. An interscholastic or intramural athletic team or sport designated for girls, females, or women may not include students of the male sex. A governmental entity, a licensing or accrediting organization, or an athletic association or organization may not accept a complaint, investigate, or take any other adverse action against a school for maintaining separate interscholastic or intramural athletic teams or sports for students of the female sex. Students and schools are authorized to bring specified civil actions. Maryland’s superintendents raise serious concerns about the mandated, statewide approach to participation in interscholastic sports taken by this bill. Instead, PSSAM favors the maintenance of locally controlled systems of interscholastic athletics governed by the guidance of Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) and regulations adopted by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Since 1991, interscholastic sports in Maryland have operated in accordance with the “Master Agreement Outlining the Interscholastic Structure for Public Schools in Maryland,” which establishes the responsibilities of MPSSAA, MSDE, and local school systems. Local superintendents believe that this system of regulation and oversight is working well. The MPSSAA Guidance for Participation of Transgender Youth in Interscholastic Athletics states that its purpose is to “designate a set of criteria in which student-athletes are able to compete on a level playing field in a safe, competitive and friendly environment, free of discrimination. At the center of educational programming is the value placed in providing equal opportunity for all students.” The Guidance further provides that “each school system should develop and apply criteria for students to participate in interscholastic athletic teams consistent with their gender identity.” This guidance includes several principles and criteria for local school systems to use in determining eligibility of transgender students in interscholastic sports. These include attention to preserving the integrity of women's sports, as well as policies that are fair in light of the variation among individuals in strength, size, musculature, and ability. Through these means, the guidance reflects Maryland’s high priority on establishing and maintaining an interscholastic athletic system that assures that sports activities contribute to the entire educational program for all students choosing to participate. Additionally, PSSAM would like to highlight the potential of this legislation to create liability for discriminatory practices under a new statewide system of criteria for student participation in women’s sports based solely on sex assigned at birth. Other state legislatures have established that enforcing the standard of biological sex would likely require subjecting youth to invasivemandates in order to ensure eligibility, which could be considered sex discrimination as defined by the Supreme Court case of Bostock v. Clayton County, in which the Court asserted that anti-transgender discrimination violated Title VII’s prohibition against sex discrimination. For these reasons, PSSAM opposes House Bill 47 and kindly requests an unfavorable report.

January 25, 2024 North Point High School for Science, Technology and Industry "Culinary Arts" Career and Technical Education (CTE) program students served up a divine lunch for the Maryland Superintendent Academy on Thursday, January 25th. North Point offers 16 Career and Technical Education application- based programs for Charles County Public School (CCPS) students and Non-CCPS students residing in Charles County, beginning in 9th or 10th grade. An estimated 300 students from each class are accepted, made up of students from all across the county as well as students that live within the North Point area. The Culinary Arts program is 100% accredited through the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC), guaranteeing the program meets a minimum of standards and competencies to prepare students for successful careers in respective fields, led by Chef Christopher Willis. Additionally, " students may earn industry certification and credit toward becoming a Certified Culinarian (CC) or a Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC)." Culinary Arts students develop a variety of skills through classroom and on-the job experiences. Today, the Culinary Arts students dished out a delectable menu including cream of crab with corn & poblano for starters, assorted sandwiches such as curry chicken salad with grapes, roasted turkey with avocado spread and pepper bacon, a veggie option on fresh foccia, rounded out with a vegetable orzo pasta salad. Not to be forgotten, the abundance of delicious baked desserts. The Maryland Superintendent Academy is led by the Public School Superintendents' Association of Maryland (PSSAM) in collaboration with the Region 4 Comprehensive Center (R4CC) It is Maryland's first grow- your- own professional learning opportunity designed to prepare the next generation of Maryland school system leaders. This is the second cohort of aspiring superintendents, representing 20 highly qualified central office and school-based leaders from 14 Maryland school districts. Participants convene monthly to learn effective practices for negotiating a superintendent contract, engage in mock interviews, participate in job shadow experiences, practice developing and managing a budget to move student achievement and create equitable learning experiences, and refine their leadership strengths and core values in preparation for the superintendency. These aspiring superintendents have one remaining convening in March 2024, where they will congregate to celebrate the completion of this professional learning experience and embark on their journey of superintendency. Source: North Point High School CTE Programs page

Dr. Mark Bedell, Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, was named the 2023 recipient of the Joseph E. Hill Superintendent of the Year Award. PRESS RELEASE: Dr. Mark Bedell, Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Joseph E. Hill Superintendent of the Year Award bestowed by the National Alliance of Black School Educators. The award is presented annually to a sitting superintendent who has demonstrated a quality of leadership that resulted in significant positive outcomes for students of African descent. “As we reviewed the nomination packets, Dr. Bedell’s positive impact on the school system climate and intense focus on equity for all children – even in the short time he has been at Anne Arundel County Public Schools – stood out,” Dr. Julia Y. Andrews, chair of the NABSE Awards Committee. “It was very evident to the selection committee that the students and staff at Anne Arundel County Public Schools are being well-served by Dr. Bedell, and we are thrilled to be able to honor him.” Dr. Bedell began his four-year term as Superintendent in August 2022 after serving for six years in the same position at Kansas City Public Schools. He arrived with a 100-day entry plan that included a focus on creating what he called a “road map for successful schooling in conjunction with AACPS’ adherence to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.” Dr. Bedell conducted 16 Listening and Learning Tour sessions across the county during the 2022-2023 school year that drew more than 1,000 participants to provide input on what the school system does well, what it needs to improve, and what they would like to see included. Those sessions led to the creation of Dr. Bedell’s Post-Entry Plan, which will help inform the system’s new Strategic Plan, for which work is now under way. “I am deeply honored to receive this award, which is a reflection of the hard work of incredible teams of people – both here and in Kansas City – who have embraced the vision that I have and the potential every student in our school district has,” Dr. Bedell said. “This work cannot be done alone, and it is not about me. It is about us, and I am proud of each and every member of our AACPS team, our Board of Education, and our community. We have talked since I arrived here about putting our school system on a level where it is highly regarded nationally, and I have no doubt we will get there.” During his first school year, Dr. Bedell led initiatives that resulted in increases in scores in seven of eight Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program tests, and bettered the educational environment and achievement of Black and Multiracial students in many categories. Among them, in the 2022-2023 school year as compared to the 2021-2022 school year: Referral rates decreased 1.0 percentage points and suspension rates decreased 0.7 percentage points for Multiracial students. Kindergarten Readiness Assessment scores increased 7 percentage points for Black students and 3.8 percentage points for Multiracial students. Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program English Language Arts scores increased 2.1 percentage points for Black students and 1.7 percentage points for Multiracial students. Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program Math scores increased 2.1 percentage points for Black students and 3.3 percentage points for Multiracial students. Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program High School Biology scores increased 5.5 percentage points for Black students and 9.2 percentage points for Multiracial students. Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program Fifth-Grade Science scores increased 3.3 percentage points for Black students and 5.2 percentage points for Multiracial students. Scores of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement tests increased 3.9 percentage points for Black students. PSAT participation increased 9.6 percentage points for Black students. End-of-Year Kindergarten DIBELS scores, which measure early literacy skills, increased 20.9 percentage points for Multiracial students and 19.6 percentage points for Black students. “We have a lot of work to do in order to get where we want to go,” Dr. Bedell said. “But we have laid a foundation here that is solid and strong, and we are beginning the climb to where we want to be.” The National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) is the nation’s premier non-profit organization devoted to furthering the academic success for the nation’s children – particularly children of African descent. Source: Anne Arundel County Public Schools

PRESS RELEASE: November 27, 2023 Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Superintendent Michael J. Martirano Ed.D. announced an initiative in collaboration with Bright Minds Foundation to donate socks to Howard County children and families in need. The announcement was part of Bright Minds Foundation’s Breakfast with the Superintendent event held at The Meeting House in Columbia, MD, on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The initiative, called the Martirano Super Sock Drive, will be managed by Bright Minds Foundation, which will collect new socks and monetary donations and work alongside HCPSS staff and community organizations to distribute the socks to those who need them. New socks are among the most sought-after items in homeless shelters and Dr. Martirano, whose name has become synonymous with his often-flashy socks, wanted to launch this effort to help students receive this essential item needed to thrive in and out of the classroom. Dr. Martirano donated $4,000 to launch the campaign after recently receiving the prestigious Tom Cookerly Exceptional School Superintendent Leadership Award from the National Center for Children and Families. Dahlia Levin, Director of Development and External Affairs, and Jermaine Lemons, Program Director for the National Center for Children and Families, were present to award the $4,000 donation to BMF on Dr. Martirano’s behalf. “Thank you so much to the National Center for Children and Families and Bright Minds Foundation for helping make this happen. This is a need for many of our students that too often gets overlooked,” said Dr. Martirano. “I know from many years serving in schools with high poverty rates that new and proper socks are a necessity for many students. With approximately 30% of Howard County students living in poverty, a lack of socks and other proper clothing is a consideration for some students in determining whether they attend school or not. Socks should never be the reason a child doesn’t attend school, nor should they endure cold and uncomfortable feet throughout their day.” “Bright Minds is committed to working with our community to make sure every child has the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Bright Minds Executive Director Jennifer Van Kirk. “We are delighted to be a part of this initiative that will make a difference in the lives of children with the greatest needs in our community. This is a fitting legacy of Dr. Martirano’s dedicated service at HCPSS and partnership with the public schools education foundation.” More information and how to donate to the Martirano Super Sock Drive may be found on the Bright Minds Foundation website. Source: Howard County Public School Press Release

Dr. Sean Bulson, Superintendent of Harford County Public Schools, been named Maryland Superintendent of the Year by the Public Schools Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM). Jillian Lader, Manager of Communications, Harford County Public Schools Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director, Public Schools Superintendents' Association of Maryland PRESS RELEASE: Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) is thrilled to announce that Dr. Sean Bulson, Superintendent of Schools, has been named Maryland Superintendent of the Year by the Public Schools Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM). This prestigious honor was officially announced during a ceremony held Thursday, November 2, 2023, in Ocean City, Maryland during the 2023 Maryland Negotiation Service Conference. Maryland Negotiation Service is an affiliate organization of PSSAM. The Maryland Superintendent of the Year Award recognizes exceptional leadership and contributions to the field of education. Dr. Bulson’s outstanding achievements and dedication to the betterment of Maryland’s educational system have earned him this remarkable distinction. Dr. Bulson’s nomination was reviewed and selected as the 2023 recipient by previous recipients of the Maryland Superintendent of the Year Award. Dr. Bulson’s commitment to fostering creativity in meeting students’ needs, his strength in personal and organizational communication, continuous professional development, and active community involvement demonstrated his exemplary leadership. Dr. Jeffrey A. Lawson, Superintendent of Cecil County Public Schools, and President of PSSAM remarked, “At a time when being a Superintendent has never been more difficult requiring more professional and personal balance, Dr. Bulson embodies that balance. He is smart, fair, and has the heart to do this work on behalf of the students, staff, families, and community of Harford County. PSSAM is honored to have Sean as the Superintendent of the Year.” “I am deeply honored to receive this Award,” said Dr. Bulson. “This recognition is a testament to the collective dedication and hard work of the entire Harford County Public Schools community. Together, we are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. I am proud to represent Maryland’s educators, administrators, and, most importantly, our students on their educational journey. I look forward to continuing our work in advancing excellence in education.” As the Maryland Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Bulson moves forward to compete for the School Superintendent's Association (AASA, formerly the American Association of School Administrators) National Superintendent of the Year. That title will be announced in February 2024 at the AASA National Conference on Education in San Diego, California. For more information about PSSAM, and the Maryland State Superintendent of the Year award, visit PSSAM’s website, www.pssam.org or contact Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director of PSSAM, at 410-935-7281. Source: Harford County Public School Press Release

PRESS RELEASE: Annapolis, MD (8/14/2023) -- Governor Moore today announced the launch of the Maryland Serves application portal. The portal offers a pathway to new service opportunities, both for eligible adults to earn a living wage and receive professional development and mentoring; and for organizations that are interested in serving as host partners for program participants. “The Maryland Serves application portal offers an unprecedented opportunity for Marylanders to explore career pathways that allow their talents and purpose to come together to serve their community,” said Gov. Moore. “Service has impacted my life in immeasurable ways, and our Maryland Serves programs will allow us to build a stronger, more compassionate, and competitive state.” Governor Moore’s SERVE Act created the first-in-the-nation service year option to boost community service among young people, allowing them to give back to their communities and be paid for their work and provide training options to act as a bridge to employment, additional service opportunities, or continuing education. Through the new Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation, service opportunities will help address priority issues facing Maryland including climate, education, health, and workforce expansion. Eligible adults who are interested in exploring Maryland’s new service pathways are encouraged to submit an application via the new portal: Service Year Option: Available to high school graduates ages 18-21 who have received their high school diploma, completion certificate or earned their GED in Maryland. Members of the program will have the opportunity to serve across the state in organizations that will provide job training and focused professional development while earning at least $15 an hour. Maryland Corps: Available to adults of all ages who are interested in performing public and community service in Maryland. Like the Service Year Option, members will work in organizations and receive access to resources, including personal money management training, while also earning at least $15 an hour. Upon completion of either nine-month program, members will earn $6,000 toward tuition costs or as a cash stipend. Organizations that are interested in serving as program host partners are also encouraged to visit the portal to submit an interest form. Host partners include nonprofits, government agencies or businesses that can apply to host Service Year Option or Maryland Corps members and have a focus on community building, volunteerism, and other efforts to make Maryland the best place to live, work, or start a business. Partners agree to provide high quality and consistent supervision and skills that can enable the member to successfully transition to employment, an apprenticeship, or college after successful completion of the program. “I am pleased to support Governor Moore’s call to make service the foundation for a stronger Maryland,” said Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation Secretary Paul Monteiro. “Our programs provide Marylanders the opportunity to explore their possibilities and discover their power through service.” The priority deadline to submit applications for both programs is September 1. Organizations interested in becoming host partners are also encouraged to apply by this date. For more information, visit dsci.maryland.gov. Source: The Office of Governor Wes Moore

Nominations for PSSAM's 2024 Superintendent of the Year Award are open for submissions. All nominations must be received by October 11th, 2023 to be considered. PRESS RELEASE: Nominations for PSSAM's 2024 Superintendent of the Year Award are open for submissions. All nominations must be received by October 11th, 2023 to be considered. Who can make a nomination? Superintendents can submit themselves for consideration or be nominated by a school district employee, board member, or community partner with the consent of the superintendent. It is not necessary for the superintendent to complete the application at the time of nomination; however, they must indicate they are aware and supportive of the nomination. How can nominations be submitted? Nominations can be submitted to the Executive Director of PSSAM (Mary Pat Fannon) by email at marypat.fannon@pssam.org and need only consist of the nominee’s name. Nominations will be kept confidential. PSSAM's Executive Director will confirm the superintendent’s acceptance of the nomination. What is the selection criteria for Superintendent of the Year? The selection criteria are aligned with the AASA Superintendent of the Year application. Each nominee will be judged on the following criteria: Leadership for Learning: Creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in his or her school system. Communication: Strength in both personal and organizational communication. Professionalism: Constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team. Community Involvement: Active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national, and international issues. Each applicant will provide examples of significant contributions and evidence of attainment of these criteria for their nominee. What are the eligibility criteria for nominees? The superintendent must have completed a minimum of three years as a superintendent in Maryland (including their time as a Maryland interim superintendent, if applicable). Experience does not have to be in the same district. Prior awardees are ineligible. Who is on the selection committee? The committee shall consist of previous recipients of the Maryland Superintendent of the Year Award who still are active in their roles in Maryland school districts. The 2024 selection committee will include: Dr. Patty Saelens, Dr. Michael Martirano, Dr. Karen Couch, and Dr. John Gaddis. What is the selection timeline? September 1, 2023: Nomination announcements distributed. Nominations will be accepted on a rolling basis and directed to the Executive Director up until the deadline. October 11, 2023: Deadline for nominations. Week of October 16, 2023: The selection committee will review applications, interview nominees, notify all nominees of their status, and select a candidate. November 1, 2023: Deadline for Maryland winner to complete the AASA National Superintendent of the Year application (the Maryland and national applications are aligned). November 2, 2023: The Maryland State Superintendent of the Year will be announced at the annual Maryland Negotiating Services (MNS) Fall Conference and PSSAM Retreat, which will be hosted at Ashore Hotel in Ocean City (Note: MNS is an affiliate of PSSAM) December 2023: AASA National Superintendent of the Year finalists will be notified. January 2024: Four national finalists will participate in a national briefing and interviews at the National Press Club February 2024: The National Superintendent of the Year will be announced. All State Superintendents of the Year will be honored on stage at the AASA National Conference on Education (San Diego). For any questions regarding the nomination process, please contact Mary Pat Fannon (Executive Director of PSSAM) at marypat.fannon@pssam.org

Dr. Myriam Yarbrough, first-year superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, shared her back-to-school goals with principals and key staff last Friday. Dr. Myriam Yarbrough, first-year superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, laid out some of her priorities for the school year on Friday. The Woodlawn High School band helped set the stage for Myriam Yarbrough's back-to-school message to principals and other key staff members. "This moment if not about me; I am one person. This moment is much bigger than me. It is about us and what we will do with our students across Team BCPS," Dr. Yarbrough said. Her focus, in part, is to engage, empower and excel, and do so with students in mind. "Your recipe, your two things have to be tailor-made based on the students in your building, based on your staff and based on your data," Dr. Yarbrough said. Besides academics, the new superintendent said safety and climate are also among her top priorities. "It's not going to be perfect. Situations are going to change, needs are going to arise, so we need to monitor and we need to adjust. It's OK to shift; that's what's going to yield positive results," Yarbrough said. She's confident those results will help set the pace for a new school year. Source: WBALTV 11 Dr. Myriam Yarbrough addressed Baltimore County Public Schools principals and staff on Friday about her goals for the upcoming school year.

Dr. Cynthia McCabe, second-year superintendent of Carroll County Public Schools, shared her back-to-school goals and challenges for the upcoming school year with WJZ News. WJZ News recently interviewed Dr. Cynthia McCabe, superintendent of Carroll County Public Schools, about the exciting opportunities and challenges facing local school systems approaching the 2023-2024 school year as part of their "Ready, Set, School!" campaign this month. Dr. McCabe said that she's more than prepared to lead in her role as superintendent of Carroll County Public Schools this year. "I've pretty much run the gambit on the positions that really prepare a person to be a superintendent." Dr. McCabe noted she is incredibly excited about the grand opening of East Middle School in Westminster, Maryland. "We know it's been a long-time coming for our community, and we can't wait to see the looks on the students' faces when they come in the building for the first day of school." Dr. McCabe said that a top priority for Carroll County Public Schools this year is student learning, as many systems strive to implement solutions to curtail the continuing rippling effects of learning loss arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. "[We] are an academic institution, and when all is said and done, we really have to focus on student learning." Another common issue facing Maryland school systems this year is teacher shortages, and Dr. McCabe admitted that Carroll County is no exception. "We are seeing teacher shortages. At this point, we still have about 20 teaching positions that are open. I know that might sound like a small amount given that some of our neighboring districts have many more positions open, but for us, that's significant." However, despite shortages in other areas, Dr. McCabe noted she is proud that her schools will have more mental health positions during the upcoming school year. "We feel like our students have really needed that," she said. Additionally, Dr. McCabe said she feels prepared to prioritize student safety this coming year. "We have a board committee called the 'Security Advisory Council,' which is made up of parents, staff members, board members, folks from the sheriff's department, and members of our own security team. We all work together collaboratively to ensure the safety of our students." While other systems in Maryland are dealing with issues around transportation, Dr. McCabe said she is grateful that transportation staffing is not an area of wide concern for Carroll County Public Schools. "I would say while we always worry a little bit about school bus drivers and making sure we have enough, it's not as great of a shortage right now as we have in other areas like in our teaching positions and even our custodial positions." Watch the full interview on WJZ News here. Dr. Cynthia McCabe spoke with the WJZ News team about her goals for the upcoming school year, as well as challenges facing Carroll County Public Schools.

Dr. Michael Martirano, Howard County Public Schools Superintendent, was recently named the recipient of two separate awards from the UMD and NCCF. PRESS RELEASE: Howard County Public School System's Superintendent, Michael J. Martirano, was recently honored with two special awards for his long-time, exemplary service in education. Dr. Michael J. Martirano, a long-time Maryland educator, has been serving as superintendent of Howard County Public Schools since 2017. Dr. Martirano was awarded with the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award, given by the University of Maryland’s College of Education Alumni. The UMD College of Education's website states that this award is given to a nominee "who has demonstrated excellence through leadership and innovation succeeding their graduation from the College of Education. This award is meant to recognize those who have become pillars in their respective field/area, be it through service, entrepreneurship or academic scholarship." The College of Education’s Alumni Network also shared with Dr. Martirano that he was being “recognized as an individual who has led or inspired change, risen to esteemed positions, and has served the community exceptionally.” Dr. Martirano will be recognized in the 2023 issue of Endeavors Alumni Magazine. Dr. Martirano was also recently honored by the National Center for Children and Families, who presented him with the Tom Cookerly Exceptional School Superintendent Leadership Award. “Dr. Martirano places students, particularly those living in poverty and experiencing other hardships, at the heart of all his decisions,” said Dr. Sheryl Brissett Chapman, executive director for The National Center for Children and Families. “He unquestionably understands NCCF’s mission to level the playing field for all children in our schools by meeting children where they are, and removing barriers based on their individual needs. His willingness to tell his own story of growing up in poverty, entering foster care, and finding education as an opportunity to change his circumstances allows him to connect and empathize with his students in a way that so many in such a position have overlooked, which is why we are so delighted to present him with the 2023 Tom Cookerly Exceptional School Superintendent Leadership Award.” Sources: Patch and HCCPS