County leaders addressed the State Board of Education at its February 2023 meeting on implementing the Blueprint at the local level.
The State Board of Education invited several county leaders to brief board members at its Tuesday, February 28 meeting on the county experience thus far implementing The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (The Blueprint).
Speaking on behalf of counties were:
- Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive and MACo President
- Johnny Olszewski Jr., Baltimore County Executive and MACo First Vice President
- Jack Wilson, Queen Anne’s County Commissioner and MACo Second Vice President
- Ted Zaleski, Carroll County Director of Budget and Management
The county leaders discussed county government’s experience and perspective thus far in implementing the Blueprint, including successful approaches, challenges, and opportunities for greater State-county partnership.
Topics addressed included concerns with Pre-K expansion, mainly involving provider and facility shortages, funding concerns amid decreases in State aid for certain counties, professional development and educator issues, and successful programs implemented in the four counties, like community schools and wrap-around services.
Additionally, the four county leaders all stressed the importance of deepening county relationships with the State Board and the Department of Education and the need for greater transparency in school financing — a 2023 MACo Initiative.
Visit the State Board of Education’s website to view the full February 28 meeting agenda and the video of the meeting. The county presentation starts around one hour and 20 minutes.
