Read more about the article Allegany Detention Center Uses Digital Tools To Support Inmate Self-Improvement
County News / Education / Public Safety and Corrections
Allegany Detention Center Uses Digital Tools To Support Inmate Self-Improvement

In a step forward for rehabilitation and reentry preparation, the Allegany County Detention Center has expanded its use of educational tablets to ensure that every incarcerated individual now has access to the Pathway to Achieve™ program. This digital platform—offered through Pay Tel Communications’ inteleTABLET™ devices—provides detainees with access to hundreds of self-paced courses aimed at personal development, education, and life skills, all at no cost to Allegany County taxpayers. While tablets have been in use…

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May 8, 2025
Read more about the article Federal Judge Temporarily Restores Pandemic Relief Funds for MD Schools
Courts / Education
Federal Judge Temporarily Restores Pandemic Relief Funds for MD Schools

Following a lawsuit filed by Maryland, 15 other states, and the District of Columbia, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Education to reinstate extensions for use of COVID-19 funds in schools. The plaintiffs, including Attorney General Anthony Brown and team, argued that the cancellation disrupted essential educational services such as tutoring, building improvements, and after-school programs, and could lead to layoffs and budget shortfalls. In Maryland the funds in jeopardy were allocated for…

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May 8, 2025
Read more about the article Kent Commissioners Approve $300K Boost for Public Schools
County Budgets / Education
Kent Commissioners Approve $300K Boost for Public Schools

The Kent County Commissioners approved an additional $300,000 in funding for public schools, going beyond the County’s required funding formula to support Superintendent Mary Boswell-McComas’s plan to minimize staff reductions amid budget challenges. According to Kent County News, the new allocation allows the school system to implement "Option B" of the superintendent’s budget proposal, reducing the number of staff cuts from 44 to 18. While the $300,000 boost helps maintain support staff for one year, those…

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May 8, 2025
Read more about the article Counties Gain New Tool to Support Child Care Providers
Education / General Assembly News / Taxes and Revenues
Counties Gain New Tool to Support Child Care Providers

Counties and municipalities now have a new tool to bolster child care options in their communities, thanks to newly passed legislation, HB 389 / SB 516 of 2025. This new law, spearheaded by Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr and Senator Nancy King, enables local governments to grant property tax credits to child care providers — an innovative move to address the significant decline in child care availability across Maryland. MACo Supports Local Flexibility for Child Care…

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May 7, 2025
Read more about the article State Task Force Publishes Student Cell Phone Policy Guidance for Local School Systems
Education
State Task Force Publishes Student Cell Phone Policy Guidance for Local School Systems

A number of statewide bills proposed student cell phone policy mandates on local school systems. While none of those bills were approved, Maryland’s Task Force on Cell Phone Use in Schools published a recent report with guidance for local school systems to develop their own policies on student cell phone use during school hours.  The Maryland Task Force on Cell Phone Use in Schools published a report emphasizing flexibility and encouraging districts to tailor policies…

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May 5, 2025
Read more about the article State Education Officials Identify $232.1M of Federal Funds Still in Jeopardy
Education
State Education Officials Identify $232.1M of Federal Funds Still in Jeopardy

In a meeting on Tuesday, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) updated the State Board of Education on the fate of federal funds that were called into question in late March. While $418M in lost funding was estimated, the update from State Superintendent Carey Wright shared that number is closer to $232.1M as of late. State and local funds could be on the hook to cover the gap. State officials claim the potential loss…

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May 2, 2025
Read more about the article New Superintendent of Schools Takes Helm in Worcester
Education
New Superintendent of Schools Takes Helm in Worcester

Dr. Annette Wallace - a lifelong resident of Worcester County and graduate of Worcester County Public Schools - has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS). Dr. Wallace's tenure begins effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Wallace moves into this new role after 22 years with the school system, and currently serving as Chief Safety and Academic Officer for grades 9-12. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership and has a…

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May 1, 2025
Read more about the article Kent Schools “Right-Size” Budget for FY26, $2.1M Cut and 36 Positions Eliminated
County Budgets / Education
Kent Schools “Right-Size” Budget for FY26, $2.1M Cut and 36 Positions Eliminated

Kent County Public Schools (KCPS) Superintendent Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas has proposed a "right-sizing" approach for the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, with the goal to align resources with current student enrollment and operational needs. The proposed budget totals $30.9 million, down from $33 million the previous year, reflecting significant adjustments to staffing and resources. After cutting 36 employee positions and adjusting some non-personnel operating expenses, KCPS still faces an $800,000 deficit with the $30.9M budget…

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April 30, 2025
Read more about the article Carroll County Receives Timeline Waiver for Education Funding Compliance
County Budgets / Education
Carroll County Receives Timeline Waiver for Education Funding Compliance

During a special meeting of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future (Blueprint) Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB), members voted unanimously on Monday to grant Carroll County Public School's (CCPS) request for a waiver. A handful of additional accountability measures were also adopted in the agreement, but, broadly, CCPS now has until FY28 to meet the mandatory funding allocation requirements for compensatory education and multi-language learners across the county. As previously covered on Conduit Street, CCPS requested a…

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April 29, 2025
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