Read more about the article Blueprint Check-In: The Educators’ View
County Budgets / Economic Development / Education / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Blueprint Check-In: The Educators’ View

Five years into implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, how is Maryland’s sweeping education reform plan affecting the people responsible for bringing it to life in classrooms and schools across the state? Sarah Sample continues her Conduit Street Podcast series examining the Blueprint from different perspectives across Maryland’s education community. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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September 25, 2026
Read more about the article Howard Youth Data Shows Declines in Substance Use, Growing Mental Health Concerns
Education / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use
Howard Youth Data Shows Declines in Substance Use, Growing Mental Health Concerns

New survey data spanning more than a decade shows significant declines in substance use among Howard County youth, while rising reports of sadness and hopelessness underscore continued mental health challenges. The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) recently released new trend findings from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), offering a look at more than a decade of health and behavioral trends among the County’s middle and high school students. The data, covering trends from 2013…

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September 24, 2026
Read more about the article Webinar to Help Employers Navigate FAMLI Registration
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
Webinar to Help Employers Navigate FAMLI Registration

Maryland employers can get answers to common FAMLI registration questions during an upcoming webinar on September 30. The Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) team will host an “Understanding FAMLI Registration” webinar on Wednesday, September 30, from 1 PM to 2 PM via Zoom. The webinar will provide an overview of the FAMLI registration process and address employer questions and concerns. The session is intended to help stakeholders better understand the registration requirements and make…

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September 24, 2026
Read more about the article Deep Dive: The Looming Blueprint Funding Shortfall
Education / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: The Looming Blueprint Funding Shortfall

With an interim Blueprint evaluation due in December, state lawmakers will grapple with a $1.8B education funding shortfall during the 2027 legislative session. This policy deep dive will analyze where funding pressure exists at the state and local level, as well as what steps state leaders might consider to close the gap.  Governor Moore and the General Assembly are heading into a 2027 legislative session this January, facing a general fund shortfall of almost $3B.…

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September 23, 2026
Read more about the article In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Students Remains in Jeopardy
Courts / Higher Education
In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Students Remains in Jeopardy

The US Department of Justice is continuing its effort to dismantle the Maryland DREAM Act, which provides in-state college tuition rates to undocumented students. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking a federal judge to resolve its challenge to Maryland’s in-state tuition policy for undocumented students without a trial. In a filing last week, DOJ opposed Maryland’s effort to dismiss the case and asked the court to grant judgment in its favor. The lawsuit,…

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September 23, 2026
Read more about the article Governor Moore Outlines AI Framework for Maryland
County News / Information Technology / Labor
Governor Moore Outlines AI Framework for Maryland

A new state framework outlines priorities for responsible AI development, workforce training, and protections for residents. Governor Wes Moore announced a new AI framework focused on three priorities: protecting residents from emerging AI-related risks, preparing workers for changes brought by the technology, and keeping children safe. The framework calls for potential regulations on frontier AI companies, including safety testing, independent evaluations, worker protections, whistleblower protections, public reporting, and incident reporting. It also directs state agencies…

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September 22, 2026
Read more about the article Blueprint Check-In: The Superintendents’ View
County News / Education / School Construction and Capital Budgets
Blueprint Check-In: The Superintendents’ View

Five years into implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, Maryland’s sweeping education reform plan is approaching a pivotal moment. On this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Sarah Sample kicks off a new series examining how the Blueprint is playing out on the ground and what could come next as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session. Her first guest is Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director of the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland…

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September 18, 2026
Read more about the article Chronic Absenteeism Continues to Decline in Maryland Schools
Education
Chronic Absenteeism Continues to Decline in Maryland Schools

Maryland’s chronic absenteeism rate fell again in the 2025-26 school year, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline and the lowest rate since the pandemic. According to a recent press release from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Maryland’s chronic absenteeism rate fell to 22.8 percent in the 2025-26 school year, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline and the lowest rate since the pandemic. The rate has dropped from 30.9 percent in 2021-22,…

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September 16, 2026
Read more about the article Two Largest School Districts In the US Banned AI In Classrooms for Coming School Year
Education
Two Largest School Districts In the US Banned AI In Classrooms for Coming School Year

New York City and Los Angeles public schools banned most student use of AI in classrooms for the 2026-2027 school year.  According to a recent Stateline article, the two largest school districts in the country - New York City and Los Angeles - have moved to largely ban AI use by students for the 2026- 2027 school year. The effect of AI on student learning was a major concern behind the decisions. Chicago could follow suit while…

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September 10, 2026
Read more about the article Deadline for AI Policies in Local Schools Approaches in Maryland
Education
Deadline for AI Policies in Local Schools Approaches in Maryland

As national discussions around AI development continue to explode, local school systems are required to have all new and updated AI policies in place this month. Additionally, the newly established Maryland AI Education Collaborative on Artificial Intelligence in K-12 Education does not appear to have met yet and is not expected to report out until December 1, 2027. Maryland school districts are required this fall to establish policies governing the use of artificial intelligence in…

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September 10, 2026
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