Baltimore Jewish Council supports governor's budget for education and health funding

In a recent session of the Maryland General Assembly's Appropriations Committee, discussions centered around the funding and effectiveness of educational programs, particularly the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) initiative. The meeting, held on February 26, 2025, highlighted the complexities of assessing student performance and the implications of potential funding cuts.

As committee members delved into the assessment data, a notable point of confusion arose regarding the comparison of BOOST students to their non-BOOST peers within the same schools. One member expressed concern over the lack of data on how individual schools are addressing the achievement gap, emphasizing the need for clearer metrics to evaluate the program's success.

Funding for the BOOST program was also a critical topic. Questions were raised about the program's future, particularly whether it would continue to operate through attrition as families graduate from the program. The superintendent reassured the committee that there is sufficient funding to maintain the program for the foreseeable future.

The session also featured testimony from various stakeholders, including Sarah Mirsky McGee, deputy director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. She voiced strong support for the governor's proposed budget, particularly for BOOST funding, non-public textbooks, technology funding, and health and security grants. McGee argued against proposed cuts to health and security funding, highlighting the increased need for such resources in a post-COVID environment where children's health and safety remain paramount.

As the meeting concluded, the committee faced the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the pressing needs of students and schools. The discussions underscored the ongoing debate over educational funding in Maryland, with advocates urging lawmakers to prioritize programs that support vulnerable populations and enhance educational opportunities. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the future of educational funding in the state, leaving many stakeholders eager for the committee's next steps.