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
Read more about the article New $50M Homebuyer Program Supports First Responders and Teachers
Education / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections
New $50M Homebuyer Program Supports First Responders and Teachers

Maryland has launched a new mortgage program offering lower interest rates and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers who work as first responders or teachers. Applications for the new program are now open. The First Homes for First Responders and Teachers program offers eligible buyers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate 0.5 percentage points below the standard Maryland Mortgage Program First Time Advantage 5% loan. Buyers can also receive assistance equal to 5%…

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September 9, 2026
Read more about the article State Board of Education Approves New Math Instruction Timeline Changes
Education
State Board of Education Approves New Math Instruction Timeline Changes

A recent meeting of the Maryland State Board of Education saw the adoption of an extended timeline to implement a new statewide mathematics instruction policy.  As previously covered on Conduit Street, the State Department of Education (MSDE) proposed changes to how, and how often, math instruction is done in Maryland schools. The changes effect a couple things but primarily it would delay the implementation of a requirement that all school districts are required to provide 60 minutes…

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September 8, 2026
Read more about the article News or Noise: Blueprint Pressure, AI Surveillance, and College Sports
County News / Cyber / Education / Information Technology / News You Can Use
News or Noise: Blueprint Pressure, AI Surveillance, and College Sports

Summer Conference is in the rearview mirror, but many of the conversations shaping Maryland policy are just getting started. In the latest round of News or Noise, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson are joined by Sarah Sample for a look at the headlines, policy debates, and emerging issues that could follow county leaders from #MACoCon into the 2027 legislative session.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article Montgomery Takes Top Honors for Programs Expanding Opportunity and Connection
Economic Development / Education / Health and Human Services / NACo Achievement Awards
Montgomery Takes Top Honors for Programs Expanding Opportunity and Connection

Montgomery County earned national recognition for programs expanding access to child care, recreation, education, and community support for residents across generations. Leading the County’s 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards is the EquiCare Grant Program, which earned Best in Category in Children and Youth. EquiCare was created to address a gap facing families who need high-quality early childhood education but are ineligible for traditional subsidies. The program funds dedicated seats for infants and…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article State Board of Education Primed to Adopt New Mathematics Policy Today
Education
State Board of Education Primed to Adopt New Mathematics Policy Today

An updated math policy, set to be adopted today, aims to strengthen the foundation for improving math test scores in Maryland schools and bolster long-term outcomes for students.  The Maryland State Board of Education is set to vote on a new PreK-12 Mathematics Policy designed to improve how mathematics is taught, learned, and assessed across the state. This new policy comes after an initial strategy was adopted in early 2025. According to meeting documents these…

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August 25, 2026
Read more about the article Early College Success Raises the Bar for Blueprint’s Career Pathways
Education / Higher Education
Early College Success Raises the Bar for Blueprint’s Career Pathways

Prince George's County Public Schools and five other jurisdictions are enabling students to fast-track a high school and college degree in technology. Program data is showing impressive enrollment and completion rates but career outcomes are still unclear.  According to a recent The Edu Ledger article, Maryland’s early college programs are showing promising signs that the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (Blueprint) can help students get a head start on college but careers outcomes are less clear.…

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August 24, 2026
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