Education Archives

Worcester Breaks Ground on New County Library

On Tuesday, Jan 21, Worcester Commissioners and library officials broke ground on the new Pocomoke branch of the Worcester County Library. Plans for the new 12,500-square-foot library were developed through the cooperative efforts of the Worcester County Commissioners and Library officials. Construction will be completed by Keller Brothers. Funding of $3.99 million from the County Library Capital Grant program, Maryland State Library Agency, and $4 million from the County, as well as the Worcester County…

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January 23, 2025

County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Education / Feature / Housing and Community Development

Conduit Street Podcast: Breaking Down the Budget

The Governor's FY26 budget has arrived, bringing with it a $3 billion gap, $2 billion in proposed cuts, and a host of decisions that directly affect Maryland’s counties. 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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January 17, 2025

Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / MACo Testimony

Counties Oppose Bill Mandating Uniform Firefighter Policies

On January 16, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Finance Committee in opposition to SB 124 - Employment Standards - Firefighters - Payment of Wages and Payroll Information. This bill would negate local bargaining authority to negotiate firefighter schedules and overtime policies, replacing it with a statewide mandate for uniform schedules and overtime policies. SB 124 would cost some counties millions, either by requiring significant new hires or through exorbitant overtime expenses, while…

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January 17, 2025

County News / Economic Development / Education / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Public Safety and Corrections

Legislative Black Caucus Sets 2025 Priorities

The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland has announced its 2025 Priorities for the 447th Legislative Session. The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland has announced its agenda for the 2025 legislative session, strongly focusing on advancing equity and addressing systemic challenges impacting Black communities across the state. This year’s priorities span health, education, public safety, housing, and economic opportunity, all critical to fostering long-term prosperity and justice. The caucus is committed to tackling systemic challenges, such…

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January 16, 2025

Education

Blueprint Oversight Board Holds Special Meeting This Friday

The Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) will hold a special meeting this Friday, January 10, 2025 at 1:30PM. The next joint meeting with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will be held on January 28, 2025 at 9AM. In an announcement earlier today, the AIB shared that a special meeting will be held this Friday to discuss potential legislative and policy recommendations for the Blueprint. The next joint meeting with the Maryland State…

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January 7, 2025

2025 MACo Issue Previews / Education

2025 Issue Preview: Education Policy and the Blueprint

Legislative changes to education policy in Maryland will likely focus on adjustments to the Blueprint for Maryland's Future (Blueprint), with a number of stakeholders interested in a broad range of issues. The major public education reform initiative that has been underway in Maryland will undergo some tweaking during the 2025 legislative session. After three years of implementation, local and state education experts are planning to come to the table with an array of options. A…

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December 24, 2024

County Budgets / Economic Development / Education / Higher Education / Winter Conference

Blueprint for Success: Dr. Carey Wright’s Vision for Maryland Education

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, we bring you an engaging conversation on education with Dr. Carey Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, recorded live at the 2024 MACo Winter Conference. 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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December 20, 2024

Education / Winter Conference

Superintendent of Schools Shares Leadership Philosophy and Vision at #MACoCon

Dr. Carey Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools joined MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson for a "fireside" chat about education, the Blueprint, and the priorities of the State Department of Education going into the 2025 legislative session. A 45-minute discussion followed by a robust "Question and Answer" session on the future of education in Maryland rounded out the final morning of the 2024 MACo Winter Conference. The State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carey Wright, has…

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December 19, 2024

Education / Winter Conference

School Officials Highlight Education Reform Progress and Changes at #MACoCon

Local school leaders' feedback on the Blueprint for Maryland's Future focused on flexibility at the local level in order to preserve shared outcomes and maximize student achievement. The MACo Winter Conference panel, "What We’ve Learned About Learning: The Blueprint in Year Three," brought together education leaders and experts from around the state. These local officials have been on the ground in local school districts as the Blueprint and other major education initiatives have rolled out…

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December 19, 2024

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Winter Conference

Empowering Experience and Elevating Talent at #MACoCon

At the MACo Winter Conference, panelists explored innovative strategies for bridging generational gaps and building a resilient, inclusive workforce. At the recent panel, experts delved into the evolving workforce landscape, addressing the challenges and opportunities of supporting an aging workforce while cultivating young and non-traditional talent. Panelists shared actionable strategies for showcasing the power of investing in apprenticeship programs to develop future talent pipelines. Attendees gained practical insights into growing inclusive workplaces that maximize employees'…

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December 19, 2024