On Wednesday, House Appropriations Chair Ben Barnes opened a briefing focused on Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future. The event raised alarms regarding a new education bill introduced by the Moore administration that will slow the increase in per-pupil spending over the next eight years.
Starting in fiscal year 2026, the funding boost for each student will drop significantly. Instead of rising to $9,226 as planned, it will only go up to $9,063—a difference of $163 per student. Initially projected to grow by 4% to 5% annually, the plan now suggests an increase of only 2% to 3% per year for the next eight years. By 2037, per pupil funding is expected to reach $13,259.
This change represents a reduction of approximately $234 million in state funding for schools, as highlighted by Mary Pat Fannon, executive director of the Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland. She emphasizes that funding is vital for student success: “You need funding to achieve the outcomes you desire,” she stated.
Barnes acknowledged the challenges the new funding levels pose and hinted that this issue might not sit well with lawmakers in the House. He said, “We are fully aware of the implications. I don’t expect this to be easily accepted.”
Gov. Wes Moore’s spokesperson reiterated that although the funding will adjust, the administration aims to fulfill the goals of the Blueprint while aligning with today’s realities, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. The Essence of the Maryland Public Schools Act includes plans for vital investments in education, focusing on supporting educators and fostering community partnerships.
A significant goal of the Blueprint is to increase the pipeline of new teachers. The bill proposes creating agreements with other states to allow out-of-state teachers to transfer their licenses to Maryland. This is crucial since over half of the state’s teachers come from outside Maryland, according to the state Department of Education. The bill also includes help for relocating military spouses who are educators.
Nikki Woodward, vice president of the Maryland State Education Association, expressed support for this initiative, noting that it could help address the state’s teacher shortage. “We don’t graduate enough teachers here. This will make it easier for skilled educators to enter our workforce,” she said.
Additionally, the bill outlines a recruitment campaign for teachers, providing up to $2,000 for relocation expenses. If approved, this campaign would start in July 2024 and last through July 2029.
As the discussions continue, the governor’s proposal is set to go to various Senate committees. One proposed measure allows schools to apply for grants to fund “collaborative time” for teachers, enabling them to engage in training, analyze student progress, and provide targeted support.
Currently, teachers spend 20% of their workday on collaborative efforts, but the Blueprint aims to expand that to 40% over the next eight years. To kickstart this initiative, the state may need to recruit around 15,000 new teachers, alongside addressing the 6,000 teachers already under conditional approval.
The grants are designed to foster innovative models for collaboration that can enhance teacher retention and improve student outcomes. The initial phase could distribute $48 million starting in March 2026.
Other noteworthy suggestions in the bill include a training program for school leaders and a leadership academy for current and aspiring principals. The goal is to equip them with the skills needed for data-informed instruction and mentorship strategies.
State Board of Education President Joshua Michael projected a $134 million investment in a “Grow Your Own” initiative, supportive of the Blueprint’s goals to strengthen the teacher workforce. He conveyed the significance of this educational overhaul, asserting it represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to elevate public education in Maryland.
Lastly, William “Brit” Kirwan, vice chair of the Accountability and Implementation Board, encouraged stakeholders to remain optimistic about the future of the Blueprint, stating, “Keep the faith. We’re going to get there.”
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House Appropriations Committee, Ben Barnes, Maryland, education reform, Maryland, Anne Arundel, comprehensive education, bill
