How Moore’s Education Budget Cuts Threaten Students in Poverty: What You Need to Know

Governor Wes Moore is looking to change parts of Maryland’s key education law. His plan would cut about 20% of the new funding promised to schools by 2029. This move is described as a “pause” to the ten-year plan, but it may hit students in poverty and immigrant children, who need the support the most.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future aimed to improve education for all students, especially those in underprivileged areas. The funding was supposed to help schools with high numbers of low-income students or those struggling to achieve. However, the exact financial impact on each school district has not been shared publicly by the governor’s office or the Maryland State Department of Education. Estimates suggest that districts like Baltimore City and areas in Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties, which have many poor students, could lose hundreds of millions over the next four years.

Alongside these cuts, Moore proposes redirecting $110 million a year towards new educational initiatives. These include programs to boost teacher training, help students read by third grade, and enhance math instruction. However, these new efforts are not specifically aimed at supporting low-income children.

If the legislature approves this plan, it could provide Moore with a signature education program just before his reelection campaign. Positive changes in test scores could allow him to take some credit for improvements.

Before he took office, there was strong support among Democratic leaders for the original ten-year plan, known as the Blueprint. This plan was crafted by the Kirwan Commission after extensive research on successful education systems worldwide. They recommended significant investments in education to create one of the best schooling systems in the nation.

So far, many education leaders have not publicly commented on Moore’s proposal. However, there is a sense of caution as they assess the implications of potential funding cuts. They are balancing their concerns against the need to maintain a good relationship with a popular Democratic governor.

Some legislators, including Senate President Bill Ferguson, have voiced skepticism. Ferguson expressed support for parts of Moore’s changes but emphasized the importance of continuing funding for low-income students. He shared his observations about the positive results of investing in schools in his district, noting improvements in arts programs and support services for students.

Delegate Ben Barnes, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, also echoed concerns about pausing or rolling back provisions of the Blueprint. He mentioned that early progress has already been made in the three years since its adoption.

At a recent meeting, Baltimore schools CEO Sonja Santelises highlighted accomplishments funded by the Blueprint, including increased enrollment in Advanced Placement classes and greater participation in arts and athletics. She noted that Moore’s proposal could cut about $400 million in promised funding for high-need schools over the next four years, heavily affecting those with many low-income students and English learners.

Critics, like former Maryland State Superintendent David Hornbeck, argue that cutting funds breaks promises made to students, limiting their educational opportunities. Meanwhile, Moore’s spokesman stated that the governor is eager to engage with lawmakers to ensure the Blueprint’s success.

The Blueprint’s funding is designed to increase every year until an additional $3 billion is allocated annually for education. However, costs have surged due to rising numbers of low-income students. The projected funding required has now jumped to $4.3 billion by 2029 and $5.2 billion by 2030, leading Moore to propose cuts that might save around $784 million by that time.

Maryland’s largest teachers union supports the idea of taxing wealthy individuals to help meet funding needs. However, they oppose cuts to the Blueprint, especially for schools serving low-income students or those learning English, declaring that they will advocate for better funding in those crucial areas.

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