Anne Arundel County revives middle school athletics with new funding for soccer programs

The Board of Education's public session on December 18, 2024, highlighted significant advancements in Anne Arundel County's educational landscape, particularly in the realm of middle school athletics and staff compensation.

The meeting commenced with an announcement from the county executive regarding the reinstatement of middle school athletics, marking the return of competitive sports for students in grades 6 through 8 for the first time in decades. This initiative will allow students to participate in boys and girls soccer, providing them with valuable opportunities to build relationships and develop athletic skills during after-school hours.

The discussion then shifted to the challenges faced over the past two years, with a focus on the successful implementation of a new school start and dismissal schedule aimed at promoting healthier routines for students. The board also addressed the extensive redistricting effort that affected approximately 6,400 students across seven clusters, emphasizing the emotional nature of such changes. The process was characterized by transparency and community input, with expectations set for continued engagement as the next phase of redistricting begins later in the school year.

In terms of budgetary considerations, the board underscored a commitment to valuing staff, noting that employees have experienced an average compensation increase of 13% over the last two years. This includes targeted bonuses for special education teachers and additional incentives for all staff during periods of significant shortages. The board highlighted efforts to elevate the salaries of first-year teachers, moving their compensation ranking from 19th to 4th in the state within a single year.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting staff, setting a positive tone for the upcoming school year.