Maryland Loses Less Education Funding Than Feared, Still Facing $232 Million School Cuts
While original reports indicated that Maryland schools would lose over $410 million in funding, that amount has been cut to roughly $232 million as some expenditures have been made reimbursable.
Despite the reimbursements bringing a slight relief to the state’s financial picture, Maryland State Board of Education leaders, including President Joshua Michael and Vice President Monica Goldson, who formerly served as the CEO of Prince George’s County Public Schools, noted these cuts would require the immediate end to some ongoing programs.
“That could mean salaries for 2,000 teachers next year. It could mean 12,000 students in our pre-K program. We will have to come up with this money,” said Michael. “These are real dollars.”
Several lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and U.S. Rep Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) and Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) sent a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon requesting that the funds be reallocated to Maryland schools.
“Earlier this year, Secretary McMahon testified that the president wants to ‘return education to the states where it belongs.’ We believe that approving Maryland’s application for late liquidation of relief funds would do just that. We appreciate your offer to conduct a thorough review of the ESSER funds rescinded from Maryland and look forward to reaching a resolution in the best interest of the more than 860,000 students in our state who are depending on these Congressionally appropriated funds,” said the lawmakers.
The lawmakers argued the sudden cuts were leading to confusion and imperiled efforts to keep students safe.
“We stand ready to partner with the Department,” the legislators wrote, “ in ensuring the disbursement of this key funding to Maryland.”
Maryland Schools Launch Transfer Initiative to Expand Opportunities for Community College Students
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program are coordinating efforts and resources among 25 public and state-aided educational institutions in Maryland for a new program that works to boost educational and career opportunities for community college students.
The Maryland Transfer Intensive Program will include activating a statewide Presidential Steering Committee on Transfer Student Success, data reporting recommendations, and supporting college leaders and teams in improving transfer practices.
“Maryland is proud to be one of the nation’s leading states when it comes to higher education attainment, and this transfer initiative solidifies our commitment to becoming number one,” said MHEC Secretary Dr. Sanjay Rai in a statement.
He emphasized the power of collaboration in improving educational outcomes.
“By bringing together 25 institutions with a shared focus on transfer student success,” he said, “we are strengthening our workforce, meeting employer talent needs, and empowering thousands of Marylanders to reach their full potential.”
According to MHEC studies, more than half of Maryland community college students are in transfer programs, while roughly 23% of those students transfer to a four-year institution within six years. Less than half of the students who transfer to a four-year institution graduate within three years.
Prince George’s Community College President Felicia D. Williams, co-chair of MHEC’s Presidential Steering Committee on Transfer Student Success, emphasized the educational possibilities that could be expanded by this collaborative effort.
“Community college students in Maryland have tremendous potential. By uniting under one statewide strategy, we will ensure that students from diverse backgrounds and experiences have the support they need to thrive at the four-year level and earn the degrees that allow them to stay and work in good jobs right here in Maryland,” said Dr. Williams.
For a list of participating educational institutions, go here.
