Education reform has been underway in Maryland for almost four years with the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The mandated policies and programs have taken shape around the state with each jurisdiction encountering a unique set of challenges and measures of success. A panel of local government and school officials will come together to talk through recent issues and experiences as they continue to move forward with implementation.
Title: The Blueprint Beat Goes On…
Description: The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future was designed as a statewide, systems-based education reform, but what happens when a formula meets the real-world complexity of local context? This session examines how the Blueprint model, layered over Maryland’s diverse local needs, capacities, and political dynamics, can produce unintended misalignment. Panelists will explore the tension between legislative design and on-the-ground implementation, share examples from the field, and discuss opportunities to better align state goals with local realities
Speakers:
- Ted Zaleski – Director, Management and Budget, Carroll County
- Katie Ridgway – Chief of Staff, Harford County Public Schools
- Dr. Jymil Thompson – Superintendent, Dorchester County Public Schools
- Janice Spiegel – Special Projects Manager, Budget Office, Frederick County
Moderator: The Honorable Mary Beth Carozza, Maryland Senate
Date/Time: Friday, December 12, 2025; 8:30 am – 9:30 am
MACo’s Winter Conference, “Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next,” will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD, on December 10-12, 2025.
Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference:
- Attendee Registration Guide – PLEASE READ! (new registration system)
- Attendee Brochure (with full schedule)
- Exhibitor Registration Guide – PLEASE READ! (new registration system)
- 2024 Winter Conference Photos (see what it’s like!)
- Questions? Contact Virginia White
