[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6317625,"mediaKeyId","2370420-8f8380771683e424cf5af1f004723f3e","parentId",2370420,"title","District thanks staff and law enforcement after safety response at Ocean City Elementary","audioSeconds",161,"startMs",8422000,"endMs",8583000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2370420-8f8380771683e424cf5af1f004723f3e&start=8422&end=8583","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2370420-8f8380771683e424cf5af1f004723f3e/thumbnail_8422000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6317625/Maryland/District-thanks-staff-and-law-enforcement-after-safety-response-at-Ocean-City-Elementary","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317625-9fc8d6e099434a781bb503352cef6d69/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164714&Signature=BhZoJywu3RJnwRbD1EBIm5BbTCQX4LT~mV35hibrtO9ZIeWF2MLyclEglFbT-BnuScer3~TQmNL2YXbfo9Zeu4D6AOBhknGRjIwEoUJdfCavNhwNtGQNdoj6dsI8uszlrtf3HTcPzRVlbKvya3op3fDr8H2bjYpk4cOHoV1AAe9OBZdSejGrjVAdRse66SbPqyyvv3BbT8rHHGfkmFMom6-mnnYN-NJDaujdHAvgQjmOuwuFtYi1DpY3ypw9at30Lkf1Th5tXOo3Vf5YYo6jcpBbG5O5guYS2Y5m0DuSgMi6gxS9HCbsQ~Thdw~SM6nL-aRyiahX2wkfwuNPQ2JveQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Worcester County Public Schools","date","2025-02-18T20:15:32Z","article","Worcester County Public Schools officials on Feb. __ thanked school staff, students and law‑enforcement partners after an incident at Ocean City Elementary School earlier in the week.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Wallace told the board that the district’s adoption of a standard response protocol helped staff act in a coordinated way during the event. She said staff followed the standard responses they have practiced, law‑enforcement responded promptly and multiple agencies assisted. Wallace said faculty and students were supported, that she observed strong teamwork, and she thanked the sheriff’s office and other responding partners.

Board members and the superintendent echoed appreciation for the response. Several board members noted off‑duty officers and personnel from multiple law‑enforcement agencies responded to assist. The district said the sheriff’s office would follow up on investigatory details; the board did not pursue operational details publicly and emphasized the district’s focus on student and staff welfare.

Wallace said the district held an on‑site staff stand‑up after the incident to debrief and thank school staff; the district also made supports available to students and staff. The superintendent said it was an example of coordinated community response and commended school leaders for their handling of the event.

No disciplinary or criminal findings were reported in open session; the board requested no further public operational detail and said law enforcement will provide any investigatory findings as appropriate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Worcester County Board of Education Meeting - February 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Worcester County officials lauded staff and responding law‑enforcement agencies for their response to an incident at Ocean City Elementary; district said staff followed the standard response protocol and thanked the sheriff’s office and partners.","taxTitle","Worcester County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",49833,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317630,"Shallow Elementary’s 'Buddy Readers' pairs older and younger students to build reading and relationships",312,11368000,11680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2370420-8f8380771683e424cf5af1f004723f3e&start=11368&end=11680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2370420-8f8380771683e424cf5af1f004723f3e/thumbnail_11368000.jpg","/articles/6317630/Maryland/Shallow-Elementarys-Buddy-Readers-pairs-older-and-younger-students-to-build-reading-and-relationships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317630-fcac75774ee2d654ee42161d8270be42/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164714&Signature=nShKq09AoSLJgNhn2x-Y0yNP76LAGhyNFzoYBc7hq3ubOlqcM~gecIj-icAh6hCw2trDD9ftlcXSr9nd918n7S4v4lZTzQsO7yySvuOC6w-L-IP~mYfzwHbA3SB6xf9bC0YULX9SM5Gp1lzfllPqMeS1Efcfys5mODZXL-lH65YQf2bdN0fsje7l27gO8kxMQ3sQYlxJG6Ww4nNbRAepX3EKI1-V5QBWnysb7jXDGwEbraFbPsydskWK5RYAU2U567eH885IHlj24ktZqsWv2nJ8PaCE2R6foxpwOT-t6SrbWmJH2q3k-ICuuSbMG0hCcmaUfYpfqhYU68pgTyPCzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shallow Elementary School’s literacy coach described a four‑year partnership program called Buddy Readers that pairs older and younger classrooms for the school year to strengthen reading, confidence and cross‑grade relationships.

Michelle Forte, literacy coach, told the Board the program began about four years ago to break down classroom siloes in the school and build vertical articulation across grades. Partnerships are assigned strategically — for example, to reconnect a student with a prior positive teacher relationship, to pair siblings across grades, or to provide an extra set of hands for technology activities. Teachers decide how to use partner time; many use the school’s 30‑minute daily independent reading block for partner activities.

Forte and principal Mister Cowder described benefits that include teacher connection and professional learning (staff seeing where students come from and where they are headed), increased confidence for struggling learners, and practical support for classroom management and hands‑on activities. Board members praised the model and noted that a daily, scheduled reading block can rapidly raise reading performance when implemented across classrooms.

The board received the presentation as information; there were no votes on the program.","Shallow Elementary’s Buddy Readers program pairs older students with younger classmates for year‑long partnerships to boost reading, confidence and vertical articulation across grades, a literacy coach told the board.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317635,"Worcester Technical High School cosmetology program highlighted; graduates describe career outcomes",278,3380000,3658000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2370420-8f8380771683e424cf5af1f004723f3e&start=3380&end=3658","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2370420-8f8380771683e424cf5af1f004723f3e/thumbnail_3380000.jpg","/articles/6317635/Maryland/Worcester-Technical-High-School-cosmetology-program-highlighted-graduates-describe-career-outcomes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317635-85877da4ccf5204548c80e9f889a6f4f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164714&Signature=PWKcvaunBTnKTxC1CUIp36z49KQdEovot~W2WCiA7UspgDyUIi~Bem55d-u-PjUW0WKYzJtgXXLqc5kxsHdMLo-7Y93aubulWNCYnCxF1lbNo3oM0EUlmTaHEN5rvi5JapjmFlPiqyP8nCnUyT88SDTs29p6n1U6KwV1QULSHArlKsSZEgilVhOFe8ER2gpUxwQ6br0dAdoJYex1QgRcxhucYz~Fk81pXn2X28vhupt1ss~0k-EcjEwpG~nzHU9kdAL3cy~km1CkjTAwz1-UpAbAneAMuMdzxVtK8AObvW2bwuT1Bz-MKmdbyA1AlC-hF~hgWCISLJS36J-I6fw1aw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Worcester Technical High School teachers and graduates described the cosmetology program’s classroom instruction, industry credentialing and alumni outcomes during the board’s February meeting.

Principal Tony Bevilacqua and instructors Rachel Watson and Patricia Hands presented classroom practices that emphasize Tier 1 instruction, daily skill practice and high expectations. Watson told the board she has taught for 34 years and has worked at Worcester Technical for 25. She said the local program saves students the full cost of private academies and prepares them for state licensing exams.

Three alumni — Carolina Novelli (class of 2023), Savannah McCabe (class of 2023) and Carla Maldonado (class of 2018) — returned and told the board the program’s sustained practice and instructor support helped them pass state examinations, begin careers and open businesses. Novelli said daily practice questions and tests prepared students for the state boards; McCabe said the program allowed her, at 20, to live independently and work full time; Maldonado described using the program knowledge to run her own salon.

Superintendent Lou Taylor and board members praised Worcester Tech as a district “hidden gem” and highlighted the program’s workforce value. Taylor and other board members noted that many students spend a full day at Worcester Tech taking academic coursework upstairs and return for career‑technical instruction.

The board did not take action on the presentation; its members thanked staff and students for returning to testify about career pathways and workforce readiness.","District and school leaders showcased Worcester Technical High School's cosmetology program, noting a 100% state‑board pass rate and alumni success in local businesses and certifications.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317639,"Worcester schools outline phased AI plan for classrooms, warn of risks and supports",1130,10406000,11536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2370420-8f8380771683e424cf5af1f004723f3e&start=10406&end=11536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2370420-8f8380771683e424cf5af1f004723f3e/thumbnail_10406000.jpg","/articles/6317639/Maryland/Worcester-schools-outline-phased-AI-plan-for-classrooms-warn-of-risks-and-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317639-377d789287e42368f68ca9f190760232/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164714&Signature=o~zXVDKHsWRnyCVrGeHmlzcMyNrKrDVofVBHDyMpCC5rPcZy1jHUH7YU6u4vBrUrcfeRrJnBg10KFuKqAAo2JS1ENSaeaddxvZ3EDwq0qdzHvu-42k2EBIa8U-08UgXWzukGrMTzzNtosrJ72f1Rzu~DwSkvgUAacwFwjEsXIWgrKORJYRar3oZXZtaadu~3iPJQ31mIBIU6f9-ViV8K3vYZKAYOgXiX8TXv1QfAjw4Q-gaNrXzVzikk0JdZze8b65hSplDgUbW29v2-nfDR-3bZdahMvw~6OXHWf21EHPQ94tbUD~FYcqj8UdAaSpVj6TkFJoYS4l6b-LH00m8~LA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Worcester County Public Schools' instructional‑technology team presented a countywide plan to integrate artificial intelligence into classrooms and staff practice while stressing safeguards for privacy, equity and human oversight.

Caleb Wilson, instructional‑technology lead, told the Board the district is among the earliest Maryland systems to adopt formal AI policy and procedures. He said the district followed a deliberate path: a multi‑stakeholder committee reviewed research, annotated the district mission and identified six guiding themes — equitable access, preparing for the future, personalization and diversity, safety and privacy, valuing human relationships and a commitment to academic excellence.

Wilson showed classroom examples the district used to test AI tools. One example involved converting a student’s written podcast script into synthetic speech so a selectively mute student could participate; another used AI‑generated slides and practice activities for a special‑education student with motor difficulties to provide accessible, individualized practice; a third used image generation from student annotations to force rereading and deeper literary analysis. Wilson and Dr. Wallace repeatedly emphasized the district’s guiding principle: keep humans in the loop and use AI as a tool to augment instruction rather than replace teacher judgment.

Board members asked about safeguards for misuse (for example, a teacher using AI to generate assignments and then having AI grade the work). Wilson said the district will prioritize training and common‑sense safeguards; he noted detection tools produce false positives, create equity concerns for multilingual students and can become an “arms race” with AI generators. The district plans three implementation phases: limited staff cohorts and piloting this spring with the Maryland Center for Computing Education, wider teacher rollout in 2025–26 and later student‑facing tools; Wilson described the timeline as flexible because AI model changes rapidly.

Wilson acknowledged risks such as voice‑cloning and fraud; he told the board he can clone a voice from 5–10 minutes of audio and urged the board the need to teach responsible use. The district will continue its existing review process for instructional‑technology vendor safety and privacy while adding AI‑specific guidance.

The board approved a recommendation to run three staff training cohorts this spring and to continue phased implementation conversations; the presentation will be followed by local pilot work and further policy refinement.","District technology leaders presented a multi‑phase plan to integrate artificial intelligence in instruction, training staff and piloting tools while underscoring privacy, bias, and human‑in‑the‑loop safeguards.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317644,"Board adopts FY26 budget, school calendar and multiple district actions in February meeting",824,6556000,7380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2370420-8f8380771683e424cf5af1f004723f3e&start=6556&end=7380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2370420-8f8380771683e424cf5af1f004723f3e/thumbnail_6556000.jpg","/articles/6317644/Maryland/Board-adopts-FY26-budget-school-calendar-and-multiple-district-actions-in-February-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317644-2afacad66d0562055f4fe2fc8f11e021/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164714&Signature=ZZVGrA6~ns~4OUrumolOp5hAC9HqiaCRz62bQBnV9Hd9ZLSyK3Ckqzb-w4xK9L7xHNqQxOHZ14f4OuEYLh~d5ygB3yKDhxExd2LHON4rKGQ9j9jt8E0~Nzv02MKboEvJ9yxOcDO6p1PY9NlAMKaGuA1r3rx419u0Hnb3fXb0zHKnVj8P4QU~UI8pkny0GyrQGXd9Q6z5ww0A6L4DEGe1FMM1K0ChtmirdBvo6D78~QZdzmmUh7IhJVBqnDav-Dv6Lwn4MBbgbePEPdQU24uAFlZ9eDVQcXvht~b8D3TzQsJqXal9aEndmGs2So-b3m~tMVwlhQDruszGWwskw42RsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Worcester County Board of Education on Feb. __ approved its proposed FY26 operating budget, adopted the 2025–26 school calendar, authorized virtual instruction for inclement weather next year and approved a series of contracts, personnel actions and recurring-cost requests.

The board voted in favor of the FY26 proposed operating budget, a motion moved by Dr. John Andes and seconded by William Gordy. Superintendent Lou Taylor and chief financial officer Vince Tolbert presented the budget after two board work sessions. The board also approved a recommended change to the OPEB contribution and the transfer of a previously restricted after‑school grant into the unrestricted budget, per Tolbert’s presentation.

In other formal actions the board approved: the Garland turnkey contract to replace the roof at Pocomoke Elementary School (including two alternates); a FY26 non‑recurring cost request to purchase and implement Xonar GPS software for buses; the annual virtual‑instruction authorization for inclement weather for 2025–26; the January monthly financial report; and the personnel exhibit that listed multiple retirements, hires and separations.

Board members recorded voice votes on all motions. For each item the meeting minutes show the supporting motion, a second and a unanimous “Aye” on the roll call of “All in favor?”; no opposing votes were recorded in the open session minutes included in the meeting transcript.

The superintendent recommended the budget and other items as presented; the board forwarded the budget to the county commissioners as part of the regular budget process.

Votes at a glance

- Adopt FY26 proposed operating budget — Motion: Dr. John Andes; Second: William Gordy; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye” recorded). Note: budget includes salary increases, an 8% health‑insurance placeholder and increases in fixed charges; Tolbert reported the package totals $145,221,039 and that two additional items were added after the board’s Feb. 11 work session (increased OPEB contribution and moving a county after‑school grant to the unrestricted budget).

- Adopt 2025–26 school calendar (moderate early‑release model with half‑day PDs) — Motion: Donald Smack; Second: William Gordy; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”). The calendar sets a Sept. 2 start and a potential June 11 end date, with inclement‑weather days extending into mid‑June if used.

- Authorize superintendent to initiate virtual day instruction for inclement weather in 2025–26 — Motion: Elena McComas; Second: William Gordy; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”). The plan is annual and was updated from last year only by date.

- Approve Pocomoke Elementary roof replacement contract (Garland/DBS and JVK contracting, base + alternates) — Motion: Dr. John Andes; Second: Elena McComas; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”). Superintendent recommended award for a total construction amount presented in the bid tabulation; the recommended package was below the CIP estimate.

- Approve FY26 non‑recurring cost request for Xonar GPS implementation on buses (first‑year cost $65,118; $42,098 one‑time implementation) — Motion: William Buchanan; Second: William Gordy; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”). The board will forward the non‑recurring request to the county commissioners for review.

- Approve personnel exhibit (retirements, hires, separations as listed in personnel exhibit for February) — Motion: Dr. John Andes (moved “reluctantly”); Second: William Buchanan; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”). The exhibit listed many pending retirements and at least one new hire and one separation; the superintendent recommended approval.

- Approve January 2025 monthly financial report (non‑salary expenditures $3,115,704.18) — Motion: Donald Smack; Second: William Gordy; Outcome: approved (voice vote: “Aye”).

Process and next steps

The board’s adoption of the FY26 proposed operating budget begins the county’s review and appropriation process; the board and superintendent acknowledged that the county commissioners will consider the request alongside other county priorities. Board members and staff said they will meet with the commissioners and respond to questions; several board members emphasized the district’s obligation to present a budget that reflects student and staff needs.

Notes on method and sources

All motions, seconds and the voice‑vote outcomes summarized here are recorded in the meeting transcript and in the agenda exhibits discussed at the meeting. When roll‑call tallies were not provided in the transcript, items are reported as voice votes with “Aye” and no recorded opposition.","The Worcester County Board of Education approved the FY26 operating budget, adopted a school calendar, authorized virtual instruction for inclement weather and approved several contracts and personnel items during its February meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District thanks staff and law enforcement after safety response at Ocean City Elementary

Shallow Elementary’s 'Buddy Readers' pairs older and younger students to build reading and relationships

Worcester Technical High School cosmetology program highlighted; graduates describe career outcomes

Worcester schools outline phased AI plan for classrooms, warn of risks and supports

Board adopts FY26 budget, school calendar and multiple district actions in February meeting