[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6314487,"mediaKeyId","2383676-71c266fe737e4a7a112922027e8669c7","parentId",2383676,"title","MSDE Outlines FY26 Aid to Education: Assessments, Blueprint Changes and Program Funding Under Scrutiny","audioSeconds",3079,"startMs",2221000,"endMs",5300000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2383676-71c266fe737e4a7a112922027e8669c7&start=2221&end=5300","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2383676-71c266fe737e4a7a112922027e8669c7/thumbnail_2221000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6314487/Maryland/MSDE-Outlines-FY26-Aid-to-Education-Assessments-Blueprint-Changes-and-Program-Funding-Under-Scrutiny","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6314487-038c54b467df4bb089465ad6cbe14f71/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201911&Signature=CXb9DaiR68OPF2YwJl9FOqb~zUsN6~7hkP11sw2e5m5gILLuz9pvNIJYseVShLsXdi56KSchP9i5TR9geliN~wnRsF~7b4UR8V4yJHJ~U7AT4T-GEubc51l3ew0eWzci-Th0wIHczkOzuNnUERh7IpD1EafRnFRqBZjVElc4Q1aUPBKDA7PcDY-u7pGbUpsIFEYaU5N86e13EUUZnpktRx~KpIKKecKNmJaR162kYmZt3MsGMbaKj7BHo05dq2QMdnXty7CB5BE9MmKafFkJy9aNvjNgzJ6upGzO3TYtaoiu-vm07f8AFaooPihv1pyImUk~ZauntvFdODalRMi3pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland Legislature","date","2025-02-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee reviewed the Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) proposed FY26 aid-to-education budget Feb. 17, which the department and analysts said would increase by $590,000,000 (5.8%) to $10,700,000,000 and raise several policy and program questions ranging from statewide assessments to special-education funding.

Analyst Laura Hyde presented a multi-issue analysis that flagged questions about MCAP assessment performance, blueprint program design and funding proposals in Senate Bill 429 and House Bill 504, nonpublic placement overspending, and implementation of autism-waiver expansions enacted in the \"end to wait\" acts. \"This is the aid to education analysis for the Maryland State Department of Education,\" Hyde said in opening her presentation.

Why it matters: Aid to education is the state's largest single area of spending. The FY26 plan includes policy changes that would alter blueprint program timing and funding formulas; changes would affect local school budgets, long-term program commitments and the distribution of state support to high-need students and districts.

Assessment and accountability

State Superintendent Carrie Wright described work to reassess Maryland's statewide assessment and accountability systems and summarized recommendations from a task force convened in 2024. Wright said the task force, facilitated by the Center for Assessment, produced a December 2024 report recommending a universally designed assessment suite, clearer growth measures and reassessment of the state's performance-level indicators. She noted the State Board of Education accepted the task force report on Dec. 3, 2024.

Wright said MSDE expects an RFP and a contract award recommendation to the Board of Public Works by summer 2025 and that a consolidated vendor could reduce costs. \"I firmly believe that all kids are math kids and the new policy will help give all kids the ability to hone their skill,\" Wright said when describing plans for math policy and professional development.

Blueprint proposals and funding questions

Hyde's analysis flagged proposed changes in SB429/HB504 that would pause increases to the per-pupil collaborative-time foundation amount and alter concentration-of-poverty calculations. The DLS analysis showed the proposed changes could reduce some program funding by large sums over multi-year windows and asked MSDE to comment on projected administrative costs and personnel needed to run new blueprint programs.

Ellie Mitchell of the Maryland Out of School Time Network, speaking for the Blueprint Coalition, warned the subcommittee about long-term consequences of proposed pauses in blueprint funding: \"The proposed 4 year pause means that the focus has been on cuts over the next 4 years, but the impact extends far beyond that. A kindergartner starting next year will receive $6,448 less in promised funding by the time they graduate,\" Mitchell said.

Special education, autism waiver and nonpublic placements

Exhibits in the DLS analysis showed nonpublic placement expenditures exceeded allowances in recent years; the FY26 allowance for the program is $172,800,000, of which $25,000,000 in the transcript was noted as contingent on BRFAA enactment. Hyde asked MSDE to comment on the prior-year overspending. MSDE said reconciling expenditures for current-year-funded programs can span fiscal years and that the department will continue closeout reporting.

On the autism waiver, Hyde's presentation showed the FY26 allowance of $58,700,000 would support 2,065 slots, which is 885 slots fewer than MSDE's target enrollment of 2,950. MSDE said $30,000,000 was appropriated to the dedicated purpose account in FY23 and that the FY26 allowance would continue support for slots as participants join from the waiting list.

Teacher recruitment, grow-your-own and academic excellence

Wright discussed teacher shortages and the need for grow-your-own programs and state instructional coaching. She described partnerships, micro-credential programs and pilot tutoring and coaching investments. \"We are an import state. I mean there's no doubt about that. We import more teachers than we produce internally,\" Wright said when outlining staffing and pipeline challenges. MSDE asked that the committee not reduce proposed funding for the Academic Excellence Program and Grow Your Own Educators program, arguing the investments are necessary to improve teacher supply and student outcomes.

DLS recommendations and requested reports

DLS recommended several committee narratives and follow-up reports, including an MCAP/assessment report, a report on free-and-reduced-price-meal enrollment counts, updated ESSER relief-expenditure breakouts through calendar 2024 and continued closeout reporting on nonpublic placements. MSDE generally concurred with reporting requests but disagreed with some DLS budget recommendations such as shifting 100% of the FY26 increase in teacher retirement costs to local jurisdictions (MSDE supports the governor's allowance instead).

Ending

No final votes were taken at the hearing. Committee members asked for supplemental data on Dorchester County compensatory education counts, MCAP technical issues, and autism-waiver slot projections; MSDE agreed to provide requested follow-up information.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","EBA Committee Session, 2/21/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","The Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee reviewed the Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) proposed FY26 aid-to-education budget Feb. 17, which the department and analysts said would increase by $590,000,000 (5.8%) to $10,700,000,000 and raise several policy and program questions.","taxTitle","Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee, Budget and Taxation Committee, SENATE, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",78813,"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},6314493,"Historic St. Mary's City Seeks Staffing Conversions, Faces Visitation and Mold-Remediation Challenges",995,1004000,1999000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2383676-71c266fe737e4a7a112922027e8669c7&start=1004&end=1999","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2383676-71c266fe737e4a7a112922027e8669c7/thumbnail_1004000.jpg","/articles/6314493/Maryland/Historic-St-Marys-City-Seeks-Staffing-Conversions-Faces-Visitation-and-Mold-Remediation-Challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6314493-183928147dfa6d8a6a64848190ca2671/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201911&Signature=JSutyDANLaCSBvjWaP5O42WMCJw-RkJzl80HJw~KLULlUD1kwV3L~h69t0pPvvYAALTffoVEuTyO4Q0hA2FsWr6XapBxI~4urohRR2Tq0XLXWFiKhskVkTetg597hVMEPHQi3yQVU-LzZyplF5gqlAlQJWq5PoQ68ZkODljcVpa~6whHn5ztzjs7d98GDpftnB9~OMGEXgkW2an4WiBB4ISLPmTi3TxiIFIgeV2zTsPgo3Z8eMbrfMDNt4QYhD5pHPqMM-GTjZDKXNgZMvIXwhDwYztPa25sM~UFVOtIq5DIG8GiHBJBFE6rQOx8D9Fc30QZ84L8pPoDBOpNF~NiaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee heard Feb. 17 testimony from Historic St. Mary's City Commission leaders about the commission's FY26 budget request, staffing conversions and operational challenges tied to visitation and building repairs.

John Bridal, executive director of Historic St. Mary's City Commission, said the commission's FY26 allowance increases by about $94,000 to $7,000,000 and that converting seven contractual positions to regular personnel is central to retaining staff \"We couldn't be happier to see these in the proposed budget,\" Bridal said, referring to the conversions.

Why it matters: Historic St. Mary's City operates an outdoor museum and archaeological site on the location of Maryland's first colonial capital. The site covers roughly 1,000 acres and supports research, education, and heritage tourism; visitation and earned revenues affect the commission's financial health.

Budget breakdown and staffing

Analyst Elizabeth Bridal told the panel that maintenance accounts for about 23% of the commission's budget, research and archaeology about 21%, and public programming and administration another 21% each. The FY26 allowance includes seven contractual conversions for existing employees who would become regular personnel; the commission said those conversions will help recruitment and retention amid local labor-market competition.

Visitation and earned-revenue concerns

Officials acknowledged a decline in some visitor metrics compared with pre-pandemic levels. The commission reported that general admission rose slightly in FY24 but that recreational use was down; staff attributed declines in part to revised counting methods, the closure of an on-site bakery in July 2023 and extreme-heat closures. Senator questions referenced a recent figure of roughly 35,000 annual visitors.

Facilities and remediation

Commission leaders said a parking lot reconstruction and the closure and replacement of an on-site food vendor depressed visitation. The commission also reported emergency funding for mold remediation (the funding was approved last July) and said four buildings are the immediate focus: the Inn at Broom Howard, the PR Building, the Administration Building and the Hammitt House. \"We should have the mold remediation done by no later than June of this year,\" said Peter Caroccio, the commission's chief operating officer.

Nonstate revenue and fundraising

Bridal said the commission is rebuilding nonstate funding capacity: hiring development staff, acquiring fundraising software and rebuilding the foundation's board and policies. He cautioned that rebuilding fundraising capacity will take time and said the new Maryland Heritage Interpretive Center is expected to open in spring or early summer 2026, which the commission hopes will support admissions and program growth.

Committee concerns and next steps

Committee members asked about transportation barriers for school field trips and plans to increase year-round operations if staffing levels improve. The commission said it is exploring private travel funds to offset transportation costs for school groups and working with partners to study complementary regional strategies to boost visitation. Commission chair Admiral Tim Healy and CFO Doug Hunter joined Bridal and Caroccio at the table to answer questions.

Ending

No formal committee vote occurred. Commission officials asked the subcommittee for continued support and noted they will provide updates on mold remediation and fundraising work.","The Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee heard Feb. 17 testimony from Historic St. Mary's City Commission leaders about the commission's FY26 budget request, staffing conversions and operational challenges tied to visitation and building repairs.",{"_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},6314496,"Governor's Office Seeks New Positions, Innovation Funding in FY26 Budget",550,282000,832000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2383676-71c266fe737e4a7a112922027e8669c7&start=282&end=832","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2383676-71c266fe737e4a7a112922027e8669c7/thumbnail_282000.jpg","/articles/6314496/Maryland/Governors-Office-Seeks-New-Positions-Innovation-Funding-in-FY26-Budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6314496-cd0c7456871f5fef3823c1a3aafb3f38/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201911&Signature=Jlm4VFfoMmflIKckJI~wuMSrrstlRv5~KnvwhW6bRiGa~LePXy2~Foc1gNk6e9~EVmu5wzw~bJcHs~6vL59wykjG~C4CvWlNs~2tBO3SBeJE5rxDavmq1R~dXvflR1qRCT1EFJvw~SVJoc0~FQWpwURiDMUJbIdYicoLpNgsSYjAHaYLxeJJQfyUbRRuodlwPrkJwCzSoqqVrCX02OSKmarL1aHJqf7N436s4MhOUDf8PHvax27fP8H1YvdsVdrE38asUJGlCoBVunaWGRUZqyaNWQIKLwyuGb5sxSjVvYKrRrSfezjwKVuXUr8yGG3JG8LLokkK0bKp9sidzl7kAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee heard Feb. 17 testimony on the governor's proposed FY26 operating budget for the Executive Department, which increases by $1,600,000 (7%) to $24,100,000 and includes new staffing and outside-contract proposals aimed at advancing a government modernization agenda.

Analyst Scott Benson told the committee that personnel makes up the bulk of the governor's office spending and that the FY26 allowance includes both salary and fringe increases and three new positions. \"Today, I'll be presenting the analysis for the Executive Department governor's office,\" Benson said. The analyst noted two recommended DLS actions: reduce two proposed new positions (and reclassify long-term vacancies) and eliminate a proposed $480,000 deficiency for a federal government affairs contract.

Why it matters: The governor's office said the new staff and contracts will support an innovation team and a government modernization initiative intended to identify efficiencies across state agencies. Office officials argued those efforts would support easier access to services for residents and could create state savings over time.

Details of the request and review

Fagan Harris, chief of staff to the governor, testified on the administration's priorities and defended the staffing requests. He summarized recent administration priorities and said the budget reflects those efforts: \"The Moore Miller administration has demonstrated bold leadership and decisive action tackling some of Maryland's most pressing challenges, advancing a vision of opportunity and equity.\" Harris also thanked the analyst for the review.

DLS's analysis, as presented by Benson, shows personnel accounts for roughly 83% of the governor's office budget. The FY26 allowance increases by $1.6 million, with $953,996 attributed to salary and fringe increases; $506,307 to fund three new positions; and an additional $436,984 for management studies, software licenses and outside consultants assigned to the innovation team.

Personnel and vacancy information

As of Dec. 31, 2024, the governor's office reported 13 vacant positions: two vacant for less than three months, three vacant for less than nine months and eight vacant for more than a year. The FY26 allowance would add three regular positions, including one oversight position for the Office of Overdose Response (supported with special funds) and two positions to lead the government modernization initiative.

Innovation team funding and work

The governor's innovation team was seeded with Bloomberg Philanthropies funding. Benson told the committee the FY25 allowance included $2,150,000 from Bloomberg Philanthropies; the FY26 request assumes $2,320,000 in philanthropic support to launch the team's initial project to expand access to capital for residents and small businesses through a Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund, and to begin additional research projects. Benson said seven of the eight planned innovation-team positions had been filled as of Feb. 17, 2025, with the final position expected to be filled that month.

Office position and contract arguments

Harris argued the additional staffing is needed to implement the government modernization initiative and said the governor's office must lead cross-agency collaboration. \"We believe these 2 new staff will be a high return on investment for the state as these efficiencies as they're implemented will result in hopefully $40,000,000 of net positive impact to the state's general fund,\" he said. The governor's office signaled concurrence with the DLS recommendation to reduce the federal government affairs contract given the fiscal climate, but objected to eliminating two requested staff positions; office witnesses said six vacancies were already in recruitment and expected to be filled by March 2025.

DLS recommended actions and next steps

DLS recommended (1) reducing two new positions and reclassifying long-term vacant positions and (2) eliminating the $480,000 deficiency for the federal government affairs contract. Office witnesses asked the committee to preserve the two additional staff needed to run the modernization initiative and to allow the innovation team funding to support its initial project work.

Committee questions focused on vacancy counts, the status of Bloomberg-funded positions and whether grant-supported positions would remain grant-funded. Committee members pressed whether the advertised new positions would increase the total headcount substantially; office witnesses said many of the Bloomberg-funded positions are supported by philanthropic funds and that six vacancies were in active recruitment.

Ending

The subcommittee did not take a floor vote during the hearing. Staff and administration witnesses said they would continue to provide requested details and updates to the subcommittee on hiring timelines and the innovation team's project schedule.","The Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee heard Feb. 17 testimony on the governor's proposed FY26 operating budget for the Executive Department, which increases by $1,600,000 (7%) to $24,100,000 and includes new staffing and outside-contract proposals aimed at advancing a government modernization agenda.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MSDE Outlines FY26 Aid to Education: Assessments, Blueprint Changes and Program Funding Under Scrutiny

Historic St. Mary's City Seeks Staffing Conversions, Faces Visitation and Mold-Remediation Challenges

Governor's Office Seeks New Positions, Innovation Funding in FY26 Budget