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BILL: HB 29 TITLE: County Boards of Education – Post College and Career Readiness Pathways – Payment of Costs DATE: January 29, 2026 POSITION: Favorable COMMITTEE: House Ways & 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 29. This legislation authorizes a county board of education to develop and establish income eligibility guidelines and procedures for payment of costs for certain post college and career readiness (post-CCR) pathways, and requires a county board to provide access to the post-CCR pathway at no cost to the student or parents if the student's family income is below 400% of the federal poverty level. PSSAM thanks the sponsor for her leadership in putting forth this legislation that largely mirrors one of our policy and legislative recommendations  (rec. 15) put forward last year. PSSAM and its superintendent members strongly support this legislation that would authorize county boards of education to develop income-eligibility guidelines for CCR. Currently the Blueprint requires all students meeting CCR to enroll in a post-CCR pathway at no cost to the student or their families. These pathways include: Competitive entry college prep (IB, Cambridge, or AP). Dual enrollment leading to an associate degree or 60 college credits. Career and technical education (CTE) programs, apprenticeships, or industry certifications. We believe that fully funding all post-CCR pathways for every eligible student may create significant financial strain on state and local budgets, and jeopardize the long-term sustainability of this initiative. Also, creating some guardrails for this generous opportunity may prevent overuse by some students who enroll in multiple pathways without a clear post-secondary or career plan, leading to wasted resources. Directing resources toward students who need them most ensures equitable access without overspending. As we look for ways to make the Blueprint affordable, reigning in these costs should be seriously considered by the Legislature. Providing unlimited access to these resources raises fiscal and academic concerns; their use should be targeted to students for whom they are academically appropriate and beneficial. To ensure the sustainability of this popular and successful initiative, LEAs should have the flexibility to develop and establish income eligibility guidelines and procedures for payment of costs for these post-CCR opportunities.  Therefore, PSSAM supports House Bill 29 and kindly requests a  favorable report .

BILL: HB 102 TITLE: Education - Dependent Children of Active Service Members DATE: January 29, 2026 POSITION: Favorable COMMITTEE: House Ways & Means 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 102. This bill requires local school systems to allow a dependent child of a service member to apply for advance enrollment in a public school and specifies requirements for advance enrollment procedures. The Secretary of Veterans and Military Families, in consultation with specified entities, must publish and maintain information on (1) advance enrollment procedures and (2) any assistance and services available to service members regarding advance enrollment. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026. PSSAM appreciates the intent of House Bill 102 in addressing the challenges faced by current enrollment procedures for dependent students of service members. Last year PSSAM supported this legislation with amendments that have been incorporated into this year’s version of the bill. Therefore, PSSAM supports House Bill 102.

December 13, 2024 The Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP), in collaboration with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honor both Ms. Anna Ory, Marley Middle School assistant principal (Anne Arundel County), and Dr. La Faye Howard, Winston Churchill High School assistant principal (Montgomery County), as the recipients of the 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year award. This award recognizes the work of these outstanding instructional leaders in leading teaching, learning and student achievement, and fostering cultures that promote success for all stakeholders. The NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year program annually recognizes outstanding middle and high school level assistant principals who have excelled in facilitating high quality instruction and learning opportunities positively impacting all students. These leaders are acknowledged by their peers and school communities for their exemplary contributions to the profession. The awards recognize leaders in the areas of curriculum, instruction and assessment as well as building professional learning within their schools that promote wellness, equity, student centeredness, results orientation and collaborative leadership and innovation. “Every great school has a phenomenal assistant principal working tirelessly behind the scenes, and we're celebrating two of the absolute best in Maryland today,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Their remarkable work not only impacts their local communities but offers inspiring models for educators nationwide. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing their innovative approaches that are making a real difference in students' lives.” Anna Ory was described by a colleague as “consistently fostering innovation and creativity in both the learning process and school culture. One key example is her redesign of the student support structure”. Ms. Ory’s former principal Kim Winterbottom, a previous NASSP National Finalist for Principal of the Year, and her current principal, John Noon, say that she is “proactive and positive across all aspects of school leadership, from student safety and well-being to the building of instructional capacity among teaching staff. Her leadership of Equity Learning Walks and student Town Halls demonstrate her willingness to be an active and visible leadership presence for students and staff”. A student stated, “We may not have realized just how essential her actions and work were at the time, but looking back, I realize that Ms. Ory would truly go above and beyond to make sure everyone felt comfortable so that everyday could be a good day at Marley Middle School.” La Faye Howard received accolades from a parent who stated, “Dr. Howard is kind, thoughtful, smart, creative, a wonderful communicator, an exceptional listener and can find ways to effectively follow up on what matters most even when there are seemingly insurmountable hurdles in the way. Her principal, John Taylor, describes her role in fostering a positive culture and reducing incidents of hate and bias by saying, “Dr. Howard heads up our No Place For Hate student group. With over 120 members, these students actively plan and implement lessons and activities that promote acceptance and safety for all students and works to stop and address in real time bullying and hate bias in our school.” Finally, her active and visible presence is highlighted by a student who stated, “Dr. Howard has played an instrumental role in ensuring students at Winston Churchill High School feel absolutely supported and safe. She is always present and active and immerses herself in connecting with students, which makes it very easy for any student to talk with her, ask for help, or just chat”.  Ms. Ory and Dr. Howard will both be eligible for consideration for the national award. They will join their fellow state nominees in Washington, DC on April 11, 2025 where NASSP will announce the 2025 NASSP National Middle Level and High School Assistant Principals of the Year during its National Education Leadership Awards ceremony. Ms. Anna Ory Marley Middle School Anne Arundel County Public Schools Dr. La Faye Howard Churchill High School Montgomery County Public Schools Source: Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals

The Today Show December 2, 2025 Featured on The Today Show on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, Caroline County Public Schools and other rural districts on the Eastern Shore of Maryland are tackling food insecurity. "At Greensboro Elementary School in Caroline County in Maryland, students are getting a valuable boost in nutrition thanks to the non-profit No Kid Hungry — and it extends beyond classroom walls. The school system sends food home on Fridays for families who need it over the weekend and it has also introduced the “mobile market” bus which brings a bounty of healthy foods out to remote areas. TODAY's Al Roker shines a spotlight on No Kid Hungry's mission to feed families." Source: The Today Show

Press Release from AASA HQ December 15, 2025 Contact: Lara Wade Director of Communications Mobile: 813-833-1498 lwade@aasa.org Honorees include superintendents from Kentucky, Texas, Maine and Maryland Alexandria, Va. – Dec. 15, 2025 –  AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is proud to announce the four finalists for the prestigious 2026 National Superintendent of the Year ® Award. This award, co-presented by AASA, Corebridge Financial , and Sourcewell , recognizes exceptional superintendents for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing public education in their communities. The finalists for the 2026 award are: Demetrus Liggins , Superintendent, Fayette County Public Schools, Ky. Roosevelt Nivens , Superintendent, Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, Texas       Heather Perry , Superintendent of Schools, Gorham School Department, Maine Sonia Santelises , Chief Executive Officer, Baltimore City Schools, Md. “These extraordinary leaders embody the transformative power of public education,” said David R. Schuler, AASA’s executive director. “Their visionary leadership uplifts students and demonstrates our continued commitment to providing every child with the opportunities, experiences, and education that prepares them for college, career, and real life in the real world. We are honored to celebrate their incredible success and accomplishments.” Each of the finalists were nominated by their state association and honored with the title of State Superintendent of the Year. The nominees were then measured against 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. “Strong leadership in our school systems is critical to the success of students, families, educators and communities,” said Terri Fiedler, president of Retirement Services at Corebridge Financial. “We are proud to partner with AASA in honoring these outstanding superintendents and their tireless work. They exemplify what it means to be an effective leader, positively impacting the lives of so many and helping shape the future of our nation.” “We recognize the critical role superintendents play in driving meaningful change now and in the future,” said Dr. Chad Coauette, CEO of Sourcewell. “We are honored to partner with AASA in celebrating these finalists, whose leadership shows the very best of public education and the vital roles of superintendents nationwide.” The four finalists will have an opportunity to meet the national education community during a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, which will be livestreamed for journalists, public education advocates, and the finalist’s supporters throughout the U.S. The 2026 National Superintendent of the Year ® will be announced live during AASA’s National Conference on Education , February 12-14 in Nashville, Tennessee. A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year ® to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated or the school now serving the same area. For more information about the program, visit AASA’s website or contact Jennifer Rooney, AASA senior director, meetings and awards, at jrooney@aasa.org . Access a complete list of the 2026 State Superintendents of the Year, awarded independently by each state association, here . Source: AASA Press Release

The Baltimore Sun By: Racquel Bazos November 22, 2025 The superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools is a finalist in the The School Superintendents Association’s 2026 Women in School Leadership Awards, the association announced Thursday. Myriam Rogers is one of two finalists in the superintendent category, alongside Crystal Turner, superintendent of Saddleback Valley Unified School District in California. Rogers began her tenure as superintendent in 2023. “These accomplished leaders have demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, staff development, and innovation in education. We are thrilled to honor their achievements and showcase their outstanding contributions to K-12 public education,” David R. Schuler, executive director of the association, also known as AASA, said in the announcement. “Being recognized for the ongoing work of BCPS is a wonderful honor, but even more important is the validation this confers upon all of Team BCPS,” Rogers said in a statement Thursday. “This is less an individual award than it is an acknowledgement that all of us dedicated to improving our school system are heading in the right direction and making real, positive, and substantial progress. I am honored to be part of that greater team and acknowledged for our work.” “When she became superintendent, she quickly identified the challenges before us and put sound, evidence-based strategies in place to turn around years of academic decline,” Jane Lichter, head of the Baltimore County school board, said in a statement. “Her leadership has been the catalyst in turning BCPS around and moving our school system in the right direction,” Lichter said. The finalists will be evaluated on “their leadership in meeting the learning needs of students, personal and organizational communication strength, constant professional improvement of knowledge and skills, and active community involvement,” the association said. The winner will be announced in mid-February, during the 2026 AASA National Conference on Education in Nashville, Tennessee. Source: The Baltimore Sun

Anne Arundel County Public Schools Press Release November 17, 2025 Danielle Crankfield had a little trouble understanding just what was going on as she walked into the media center at Crofton High School this afternoon. Students, current and former colleagues, Board of Education members, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell – and even her parents, two aunts, and two nephews – were poised to deliver a surprise message: She’s the best in the country. Crankfield was named 2026 National School Counselor of the Year today by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and those assembled had come to honor her. “I am honored, humbled, and ecstatic to have earned this award,” said Crankfield, a National Board Certified Counselor who has served students in Anne Arundel County Public Schools since 2010 and has been at Crofton High School since it opened in 2020. “It lets me know that school counselors are important for our children. I stand alongside an amazing team with strong district support that I could not do this work without. This work will continue and we will make the program even better. To every student, whether on my caseload or not, this award is because of you. Your success. Your ability to do what you want in this world is what motivates me every single day. This is for you.” Crankfield, who was named one of five national finalists last month, is the first Maryland school counselor to ever earn the award. When she arrived at Crofton and dug into the new school’s data, Crankfield found that African American and Hispanic students were underrepresented in advanced coursework. She created a road map for middle and high school teachers to use when making course recommendations and led an effort to better publicize high-level courses that met students’ needs and interests. During her tenure at Crofton, that access gap decreased to more closely reflect the diversity and composition of the student population. “Ms. Crankfield is an exceptional school counselor and an even more remarkable person,” Crofton High School Principal Greg Ryan said. “She empowers students to thrive academically, socially and emotionally, while also strengthening our staff by fostering positive relationships, encouraging collaboration, and challenging us to bring our very best to our students each day.” Said Molly McCloskey, a member of ASCA’s School Counselor of the Year Selection Committee: “Danielle represents the very best in professional school counseling from her commitment to her students’ academic, college/career and social/emotional success, to her reputation among her peers as Crofton High School’s ‘North Star.’ Her excellence is not only in what she does, but in the way she does it – authentically and with an eye toward meaningful, measurable results.” Crankfield, other national finalists and school counselors from across the nation will be celebrated in Washington, D.C., during National School Counseling Week in February. For additional information about ASCA, visit the organization’s web page . Source: Anne Arundel County Schools Press Release

Press Release October 30, 2024 Ocean City, Maryland - The Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland (PSSAM) has announced that Dr. Sonja Santelises, Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore City Public Schools, has been selected as the 2026 Maryland Superintendent of the Year. The award is presented annually to a Maryland superintendent who shows excellence in educational leadership, communication, professionalism, and community involvement. “Being chosen by my peers for this recognition is both humbling and inspiring,” said Dr. Santelises. “It reflects the collective work of our students, educators, families, and community partners who believe in what is possible for Baltimore’s young people. This honor belongs to them as much as it does to me.” Robert Salley, chair of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, said this award reflects the effectiveness of Dr. Santelises and the district overall. “Dr. Santelises’ selection as Maryland Superintendent of the Year embodies our district’s belief in high expectations, hard work, and the limitless potential of our students,” said Chair Salley. “This honor recognizes not just her excellence, but the collective strength of a community committed to helping every child thrive. We could not be prouder of our CEO.” Since becoming CEO in 2016, Dr. Santelises has guided Baltimore City Public Schools through a decisive period of academic focus and reform, emphasizing literacy, and access to rigorous coursework. Among the district’s achievements under her leadership: • On the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), literacy proficiency in English Language Arts has grown more than 13.6 percentage points since 2015-16, outpacing the statewide gain of 8.9 points. • City Schools has significantly invested in the arts, nearly doubling the number of fine arts teachers from 174 in 2017-18 to 328 in 2025-26. At the same time, City Schools implemented the community schools model at all 154 of its campuses. • City Schools students have the second largest growth in reading nationally since 2022 among large urban school districts: City Schools is also one of five large urban school districts that are performing better in reading than before the pandemic. • The number of schools without air conditioning has been reduced from 75 in 2016 to zero in 2025, while supporting construction on more than 30 schools during that same period. • On the Maryland Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, the percentage of students demonstrating readiness in Baltimore’s Pre-K/kindergarten programs improved by 16 percentage points between 2021-22 and 2023-24, nearly four times greater than the statewide rate. • City Schools has significantly expanded access to Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, achieving a 100-percent increase in the number of students taking Advanced Placement AP coursework, and a 300-percent increase in students earning qualifying scores on AP exams. Her leadership has set the stage for Baltimore’s students to graduate ready for higher education and a family-sustaining career. Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, 2026 Maryland Superintendent of the Year

Frederick County Public Schools Press Release September 26, 2025 Monocacy Elementary teacher ALonna Soward-Puryear was named the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year by the Maryland State Department of Education Friday night. She received news of this prestigious honor at the conclusion of the Maryland State Teacher of the Year gala in Cockeysville, MD. Earlier this month, MSDE named  Soward-Puryear  as one of seven semifinalists for Maryland Teacher of the Year.  Soward-Puryear is the 2025-26 FCPS Teacher of the Year. Prior to the gala, students, colleagues and system leaders shared their well-wishes for her in a  congratulatory video . “We are thrilled to be the home of the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year,” FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson said. “Ms.  Soward-Puryear is a passionate and innovative teacher who is truly home grown. She attended FCPS, she interned with FCPS, and graduated from Hood College in Frederick.” Soward-Puryear is a targeted intervention teacher at Monocacy, where she previously taught fourth grade. She has served as a team leader and an active member of the School Improvement Team, STEM Team and Systemic Blueprint team. Soward-Puryear has taught at Monocacy Elementary since 2019.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education from Hood College in Frederick, where she also earned a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership. She is a proud Frederick High graduate and also attended West Frederick Middle, Spring Ridge Elementary, and Lincoln Elementary as a student.  Soward-Puryear is the third FCPS educator named Maryland Teacher of the Year. She joins a distinguished group that includes Frederick High’s Michelle Shearer, who was the 2011 National Teacher of the year and Darren Hornbeck of Linganore High. The FCPS community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Soward-Puryear on this outstanding accomplishment and is excited to support her as she moves on to the National Teacher of the Year process Source: Frederick County Public Schools

Public School Superintendents' Association of Maryland September 17, 2025 The Public Schools Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM) is seeking a part-time Legislative Intern for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session! Do you know someone who would be a great fit or maybe that person is you? Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to  marypat.fannon@pssam.org . Applications are open until filled, but for full consideration, please apply by November 1, 2025. See the listing below for details on responsibilities and qualifications.

Maryland State Dept of Education September 05, 2025 Today, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Maryland State Board of Education announced the seven local school system finalists for 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year.  The finalists are Jacqueline Sanderson, Anne Arundel County Public Schools; Jevons Liu, Baltimore City Public Schools; ALonna Soward-Puryear, Frederick County Public Schools; Natalie Pretzello, Howard County Public School System; Marcie Mamas, Queen Anne's County Public Schools; Emma Cohn Matthews, Wicomico County Public Schools; and Phillip Cropper, Worcester County Public Schools . The Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a gala reception and dinner at Martin’s Valley Mansion in Hunt Valley on Friday, September 26.   “Each of our finalists represents the very best of Maryland educators,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools . “Their dedication, creativity, and leadership are shaping the future of our students and communities. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding educators and thank them for their commitment to excellence in education.” “Our Maryland Teacher of the Year finalists are mentors, innovators, and advocates for student success,” said Dr. Joshua L. Michael, State Board of Education President . “The State Board is proud to honor their achievements and celebrate their inspirational impact in classrooms across Maryland.” The Maryland Teacher of the Year will compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced in April, and spend the 2025-2026 school year as a speaker and advisor on statewide education issues. The finalists were selected from 24 local school system teachers of the year. The selection panel consisted of leaders from key Maryland educational organizations representing principals, teachers, school boards, labor partners, and families. Finalists were evaluated against rigorous criteria that included student achievement, teaching philosophy, academic results, community involvement, and knowledge of educational issues.  For over 30 years, Maryland has participated in the National Teacher of the Year Program. Since 2006, three Maryland educators have been honored with the National Teacher of the Year award. Maryland Teacher of the Year Program sponsors include McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Baltimore, Northrop Grumman Corporation, NTA Life, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, Maryland Public Television, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.  Additional information on the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year finalists:   Anne Arundel County Public Schools – Jacqueline Sanderson, Belle Grove Elementary School Jacqueline Sanderson, a National Board Certified English Language Development teacher, leads district-wide curriculum initiatives. She has launched programs that support multilingual students and strengthen school-family partnerships. Sanderson is a Maryland Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) member. Baltimore City Public Schools – Jevons Liu, Academy for College and Career Exploration Jevons Liu, a National Board Certified special education and mathematics teacher, mentors educators statewide. Liu leads staff wellness and oversees academics for student-athletes. A Grosvenor Teacher Fellow with the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions, he also serves on the Maryland Teacher Advisory Council and co-chairs the Maryland Blueprint Pillar 5 Advisory Committee. Frederick County Public Schools – ALonna Soward-Puryear, Monocacy Elementary School ALonna Soward-Puryear, a fourth-grade teacher, mentors novice educators and actively contributes to the School Improvement Team, STEM Team, and Systemic Blueprint Team. She has served as coordinator for summer programs designed to support prekindergarten/kindergarten readiness, and address pandemic-related learning loss. Soward-Puryear is a participant in the district’s Vanguard teacher leadership program. Howard County Public School System – Natalie Pretzello, Hammond Middle School Natalie Pretzello is the Hammond Middle School band director and a National Board Certified Teacher. She also serves as co-director of the school system’s Middle School Gifted & Talented (GT) Symphonic Band and the percussion coordinator for the Elementary School GT Bands. She leads professional development, mentors new teachers, sponsors extracurriculars, and serves statewide as a guest conductor and consultant. Queen Anne's County Public Schools – Marcie Mamas, Kent Island High School Marcie Mamas, a Business Teacher in the Kent Island High School Career and Technical Education Department, has taught business, marketing and related courses for 30 years. Prior to joining Kent Island High School, she taught at Chestertown Middle School. A past Maryland Business Teacher of the Year and school leader, she has chaired key committees and shaped school improvement efforts. Wicomico County Public Schools – Emma Cohn Matthews, Wicomico High School Emma Cohn Matthews teaches English at Wicomico High School, where she also chairs the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) program and English and World Language departments. She also serves as Gender and Sexuality Alliance advisor, an afterschool tutor, and mentor to pre-service teacher candidates. She is completing National Board Certification. Worcester County Public Schools – Phillip Cropper, Worcester Technical High School Phillip Cropper has led the Worcester Technical High School Culinary Arts program since 2012. He was recently named the 2025 James H. Maynard National Teacher of the Year and holds the 2024 SkillsUSA Maryland Advisor of the Year title. Cropper serves on multiple industry boards and has extensive experience as an Executive Chef and Pastry Chef. Source: Maryland State Department of Education Press Release

Frederick County Public Schools August 12, 2025 " FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson was selected as the recipient of the Tom Cookerly Exceptional School Superintendent Award by the National Center for Children and Families. This award was named after Cookerly, who believed that every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn, thrive and succeed – regardless of circumstances. Cookerly founded The Neediest Kids program in 1972, partnering with school districts to ensure students would never be without the essentials: eyeglasses, coats, school supplies and emergency supports. “I was honored and humbled to learn of this recognition,” FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson said. “In FCPS, we focus on supporting every student to ensure best outcomes for all the students in our care. The work we do for our students is a shared commitment and a team effort.” This is Dyson’s fourth year serving as the Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools. Dr. Dyson is a fierce advocate for children and works diligently to ensure they thrive. She believes her role as Superintendent provides the opportunity to connect families and community partners to schools in service of every student in FCPS. “This is not just visionary leadership – it is heart work,” organization leaders wrote in an announcement of the award. “You understand that education is a lifeline, especially for children facing trauma, poverty, or instability.” " Source: Frederick County Public Schools News Release