• Support for governance authority for local boards of education to adopt education policies and school system budgets reflecting local priorities and resources. MABE supports broad discretion for local board decision-making authority in exercising legislative, judicial, and executive functions in accord with state and federal law and principles of equity and excellence for all students. Specifically, MABE advocates that state and local initiatives not reduce local board governance or budgetary authority or create unfunded mandates.

• Support for full State funding for Maryland’s outstanding public schools. MABE supports annual state education funding levels sufficient to support the costs of implementing current and new statutory and regulatory requirements. Specifically, MABE advocates for sustained increases in state funding in FY 2025 to support implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future law, adjust for inflation, and support all other programs and services. Full funding is essential to fulfill Maryland’s constitutional duty to fund a statewide public education system that ensures equity and excellence in every school and classroom and college and career readiness for every student.

• Support for increased State funding for school construction and renovation projects. MABE supports annual state and local capital and operating budgets commensurate with the costs of designing, building, renovating, operating, and maintaining high quality learning environments for each student in our 1,400 public schools. Specifically, MABE advocates for a state capital improvement program of at least $450 million in addition to the ongoing Built to Learn program. Additional funding is needed to replace aging schools, ensure school safety, support local priorities, and expand prekindergarten and career and technical education school facilities called for by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future law.

• Support for sustained and increased local government investments in education. Funding from Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City plays a critical role in the success of public education programs, services, and facilities. Specifically, MABE advocates for state laws mandating investments of local property and income tax revenues in public education, including a stronger Maintenance of Effort requirement to guarantee that local funding must be not only sustained but also increased from year to year to keep pace with inflation, rising costs, and the educational needs of students.

Access MABE’s full 2024 legislative positions and priorities report.