Around Maryland, Business, Education, Family

MSDE releases $5 milion in bonus payments to improved child care programs

BALTIMORE, MD—This week, the Maryland State Department of Education announced the distribution of $5 million in bonuses to Maryland EXCELS child care programs with higher quality ratings, as part of the transformative Blueprint for Maryland’s Future landmark legislation. More than 4,970 child care and early education programs statewide participate in the Maryland EXCELS quality rating and improvement system. The bonus …


Around Maryland, Politics, Traffic

Governor Moore, Lieutenant Governor Miller announce actions to protect Maryland roadway workers

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller have announced a substantial set of recommendations (PDF) to improve safety on Maryland roadways and decrease the number of crashes and fatalities in work zones. The announcements follow finalized recommendations of the Work Zone Safety Work Group, which was established by the Governor in April. Lieutenant Governor Miller served as chair. …


MSDE awards over $4 million for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

BALTIMORE, MD—More Maryland students will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day through a $4.7 million federal grant program. The Maryland State Department of Education is distributing funds to 213 elementary schools statewide from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, up from 196 participating schools during the 2022-23 academic year. The program …

Annapolis High School educator named 2023-2024 Maryland Teacher of the Year

BALTIMORE, MD—The 2024 Maryland Teacher of the Year has been named. Mary Kay Connerton – a physical education, health, and wellness teacher at Annapolis High School in Anne Arundel County Public Schools – has received the prestigious award. Dr. Deann Collins, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, made the announcement last week at the 33rd Annual Teacher of the Year …

Maryland State Board of Education appoints Dr. Carey Wright as interim State Superintendent

BALTIMORE, MD—The State Board voted unanimously on Wednesday evening to appoint Dr. Carey Wright as the interim State Superintendent of Schools for the remainder of the current term through June 30, 2024. Dr. Wright will begin her service as State Superintendent by October 23, 2023, pending the completion of onboarding logistics. Most recently, Dr. Wright served for nine years as …

Maryland State Department of Education announces partnership with Children’s Aid National Center for Community Schools

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland State Department of Education has announced a new partnership with the Children’s Aid National Center for Community Schools to expand support for school districts and community schools through the high-quality implementation of Blueprint Community Schools. The Children’s Aid National Center for Community Schools will work closely with MSDE’s Executive Director of Community Schools and Expanded Learning, focusing …

Maryland State Board of Education announces transition team, state superintendent search committee

BALTIMORE, MD—The State Board has laid the groundwork for moving forward through the next phase of the transformation at the Maryland State Department of Education. The State Board has put into place a transition team to ensure the operational continuity of the Department and maintain the provision of critical services and assistance to members of the public and to local …

MSDE’s Division of Rehabilitation Services awarded $9.9 million in federal Disability Innovation Funds – Pathways to Partnerships

BALTIMORE, MD—Last week, the Maryland State Department of Education announced that it had received a $9.9 million federal Pathways to Partnerships grant to launch the Maryland Pathways to Partnership Initiative (MPPI). Maryland’s new grant is one of 20 recently announced by the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The nearly $199 million in funding for Pathways to Partnerships, …