While the search for a new superintendent continues, the Maryland State Board of Education voted to extend State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon’s contract during their meeting yesterday.

From Maryland Matters:

“Dr. Salmon has led us through this emergency with grace and is including all of the local superintendents in decision-making,” Jean C. Halle, the board’s vice president said during the meeting. “And I think her experience and knowledge and compassion will serve us well during this emergency and I’m very grateful that she’s willing to extend her time in this leadership position.”

Halle was one of the only board members able to offer extended comments during the vote, which was interrupted by technical issues. Salmon announced in December that she would not seek another term when her contract expires June 30.

As reported in an earlier blog, due to COVID-19, the United States Department of Education announced that waivers to exempt schools from conducting state standardized tests required by Every Student Succeeds Act were available. During yesterday’s meeting, the Maryland board voted to seek this waiver, following 24 other states that have asked and received it. Maryland will also seek a waiver from accountability reporting as standardized test scores are used in the Maryland Report Card, which tracks achievement and identifies schools for improvement.

See the full Maryland Board of Education agenda