Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board Meets for the First Time

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) met today for the first time since being appointed.

The seven members of the AIB met for the first time today to discuss aspects of implementing Maryland’s recently-adopted education reform plan known as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Its members were appointed on October 1 after the nomination process for the AIB was riddled with bipartisan concerns over the lack of geographic and demographic diversity.

Today’s meeting laid the groundwork for the board: It opened with Chair Isiah Leggett introducing the AIB, followed by each member introducing themselves and their work to shape Maryland’s public education. They then moved into discussion around the group’s organizational logistics and its work plan for its tenure.

Notably, the group voted to establish an advisory committee or committees to help shape the AIB’s work. AIB member Mara Doss highlighted that an advisory committee could also help address concerns about geographical diversity. Details on the function, size, structure, and other factors of such an advisory body(ies) will be forthcoming.

The group then moved into discussing several looming deadlines that it will not be able to make, as it was not yet appointed and operating by the original July 1 goal date that informed several looming deadlines. Also of consideration is forthcoming betting revenue and the AIB’s access to its budget, as set by the General Assembly. Members agreed to move forward with requesting an adjustment to their working timeline and subsequent deadlines.

Prior coverage from Maryland Matters explains the charge ahead for the AIB and the original timeline that it was to work off of (which will likely be adjusted):

For the next decade, the AIB will evaluate the results of the Blueprint against its intended outcomes.

By Feb. 15, 2022 the AIB must develop a comprehensive implementation plan. And local school systems must submit their local implementation plans to the AIB by June 15, 2022.

The AIB is an independent unit of state government, which means that it has authority, under the Blueprint and HB 1372, over various state agencies including the Maryland State Department of Education and the State Board of Education, if they come into conflict.

The AIB also has the power to withhold state funds from any school district if the school district does not comply with the Blueprint.

The AIB also held a closed-door executive session on November 15.

The next meeting of the AIB will be November 29 at 1 p.m..

Useful links:

Prior Conduit Street coverage on the AIB: