The EBA Committee Session held on February 22, 2024, focused on the proposed aid education budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with a presentation from the Department of Legislative Services (DLS), highlighting a significant increase in the education budget, which is set to grow by $315 million, or 3.2%, reaching a total of $10.1 billion. This increase is largely due to a net rise of approximately $285 million in major state aid, with $141 million specifically allocated for teacher retirement.

The committee reviewed various assessments of student performance, including the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) scores. The data revealed that in Spring 2023, most students across all grades scored at the beginning or developing levels in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, with only 53.5% of tenth graders achieving proficient or distinguished scores. The lowest proficiency was noted in fifth grade, where only 41.8% of students reached the proficient level.

Further discussions included the omission of Algebra 2 data in the fiscal 2025 Managing for Results submission, prompting a request for comments from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The committee also examined the fiscal 2023 closeout report from MSDE, which indicated a total of $425.4 million in encumbrances, raising questions about the high amounts, particularly in general and federal funds.

The meeting addressed the implementation of eight legislative priorities in the fiscal 2024 aid to education budget, totaling $8 million. The committee sought insights from MSDE regarding current grant funding for specific programs, including the THRED initiative and the Gwynne Park High School FFA program.

A detailed overview of agency spending was presented, showing that approximately 74% of the fiscal 2025 budget is comprised of general funds, with significant allocations directed to local education agencies (LEAs). The budget breakdown included $3.9 billion for foundation programs and $1.7 billion for compensatory education.

Enrollment trends were also discussed, revealing a slight increase in full-time equivalent enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year, although overall enrollment remains about 20,000 students lower than in 2019. The committee noted increases in free and reduced-price meal enrollment, special education, and limited English proficiency students.

Blueprint programs were highlighted, with a total of $1.9 billion allocated in the fiscal 2025 budget. The committee reviewed the projected costs and funding sources for these programs, noting potential future shortfalls in revenues to cover eligible costs.

The session concluded with a transition to the issue section of the analysis, indicating further discussions on key topics related to the education budget and its implications for Maryland's educational landscape.