[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6308066,"mediaKeyId","2424802-1c6a35620fcbd7c825e2ed62c8c57987","parentId",2424802,"title","Parent urges public statement on federal executive order over fears for special-education funding","audioSeconds",322,"startMs",1912000,"endMs",2234000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2424802-1c6a35620fcbd7c825e2ed62c8c57987&start=1912&end=2234","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2424802-1c6a35620fcbd7c825e2ed62c8c57987/thumbnail_1912000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6308066/Maryland/Parent-urges-public-statement-on-federal-executive-order-over-fears-for-special-education-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308066-aef53b645f7bdd8447589df21f873950/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188366&Signature=e469lksRCw7QnFGERYYl9hKbEejXp6es1w1j3l~9Gbphq5EPl-cXavOyC39Biv7ejJj6qdLHIcshWaoUAMg7SuTqY5lADjp5RwRxh8rm-L2ELEk5OZCQg0T-AU336jBFRo3CQ~dNTDMNt4v0OIMhFPUyEoOMj5LiWI57ViGC5CXev-J7ZKFoq5mLpf8JmgMF40A4xCEJaqYWYnWq75xtKf7LskCkUBX71dhSQM4QnbQOv5cMNliy6TJYAngiOs2nWtPc9TNETOtQMN91MOP9-2Yr~EgLK5Mxn2Vh6DgeFStLB7-eb-QKv~I4oy3ackXvxC2oTGSQxhClUkg9bQ6tEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-27T12:12:53Z","article","A parent who identified herself as a mother of five and a clinical professional counselor addressed the board during public comment on Feb. 26, asking the board to make a public statement about the executive order titled \"Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families.\" The commenter said she had emailed the board two days earlier and expressed concern about protections and funding for special education.

\"It scares me as a parent,\" she said, describing that her children range from pre-K to ninth grade and that many are in special education. She asked the board to make a public statement to reassure families and educators about how special-education services and staff funding would be preserved amid threats she described from other jurisdictions when boards or health departments face retaliatory measures.

The board had read its public-comment guidelines before taking comments and made clear it would \"listen and consider, but not comment\" during the public-comment period. The transcript shows no board response to the parent’s request during public comment; the board’s standard practice, as read aloud before public comment, is to refer concerns about individual staff or students to the superintendent and to refrain from commenting on matters that could be the subject of appeals.

The parent asked the board to \"at least make a public statement so that it alleviates parents like me, educators like me, and many other people who aren't here today.\" The record does not show the board taking immediate action in response; any formal response would require subsequent board or staff action outside the public-comment period.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","St. Mary's County Public Schools Board of Education Meeting - 02/26/25","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment, a parent of five asked the board to make a public statement addressing concerns that the 'Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families' executive order could lead to the loss of special-education funding and staff licensure if the district does not 'comply.'","taxTitle","St. Mary's County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",14203,"location","Maryland","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6308070,"Student member reports near-complete round of elementary visits; rising-freshman nights and teacher job fair announced",192,445000,637000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2424802-1c6a35620fcbd7c825e2ed62c8c57987&start=445&end=637","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2424802-1c6a35620fcbd7c825e2ed62c8c57987/thumbnail_445000.jpg","/articles/6308070/Maryland/Student-member-reports-near-complete-round-of-elementary-visits-rising-freshman-nights-and-teacher-job-fair-announced","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308070-c4abfc9598d783e9adc8fdc6562a4b94/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188366&Signature=LPR9-wzYBLDiFYSDw9dEi2dGNyTxv9LSTLGx9csHY8iE8rQUXW0uWwnjvuqN-4qcxTlU2BVgN2p3jPMRo-XeaUYidcX3kPa1iVVJGRWFHFinsBY9C3oRLkOTRmArVA57h91G6KXhPlQgVMvpME5VfdVkexretCLxgjx-N9dcchidK3WHDzAZpJ1jjeMi-8LaWlmsvn~XvncA6IdLKaD0HjfOWAtZ4pC7yQvzNQrG7k2TtbBR0ZYr8EueidRSQUkGqJbHH6H4fpxZxFBUQ1CgFDQC8FM1MglAd7-BL0yfImHRPDtDXN0FWjkA2SV-cSmkgnPN7mVwjEbx45KX4rMesA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Student member Hannah Heisler told the board on Feb. 26 that she has visited almost every elementary school in the county, with one remaining visit scheduled for March 5 at Greenview Knowles. She summarized fifth-grade students’ answers about what it means to be present, engaged, approachable and renewed at their schools.

Students at Green Holly, Lexington Park, Chesapeake Public Charter and other elementary schools told Heisler they come to school to learn, make friends, and participate in incentives such as attendance trophies, \"ducks\" in classrooms, and community gatherings. Heisler said student feedback included a report that the district’s cell-phone policy has correlated with a decrease in referrals.

She said rising-freshman orientation nights are scheduled to begin next week (Chopticon and Great Mills to go first; Leonardtown shifted later because of playoffs) and staff are producing a video for those sessions. Heisler also announced a district-wide teacher job fair slated for Saturday, March 29, with schools conducting on-site interviews and potential offers for high-need areas such as special education.

Heisler described classroom-level examples of engagement (partnered reading, STEM labs, hands-on activities) and school traditions (house teams, spirit days, community gatherings) observed during visits. The student member said these visits are part of an ongoing effort to bring student voice into system planning and to inform rising-freshman orientation events.","Student board member Hannah Heisler said she has visited nearly every elementary school and summarized student feedback on engagement, approachability and renewal; rising-freshman orientation nights are scheduled next week and the district plans a teacher job fair March 29.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6308075,"Board recognizes 12 newly certified National Board teachers; SMCPS now has 58 active NBCTs",328,1314000,1642000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2424802-1c6a35620fcbd7c825e2ed62c8c57987&start=1314&end=1642","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2424802-1c6a35620fcbd7c825e2ed62c8c57987/thumbnail_1314000.jpg","/articles/6308075/Maryland/Board-recognizes-12-newly-certified-National-Board-teachers-SMCPS-now-has-58-active-NBCTs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308075-5629be97680f7ae4a96d0c80b1ba3029/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188366&Signature=CXcb8SSiT3HU4L7l05mzMf8HnjFx5rkiyM3B6cLIg1z3OykMzvcYmyKZj15ZZNYtuNMTLhbqqwCT7sLGR2AZQztRTCY4p3uhNeJuNRidieMlHESZt8sF7Kl5Lg9ZHrwngSO97ZXmJp4Lz4SFQtPoX3PL-ro5IZf6W1bC7kiy5ZzmiDFHC0CXXtWgxPTXreBQgGJPcx~u99HQejQYm2YpBZiLmWSSLtZhuT2F7lKb1glJAIvjeAbqLcYk3f~Okw~SRxfWFo~uOmT7Y8EvYcu-dGxbEmp0cy4zeW8oUJAf20TeCEI9l-8YrrJgnlyrnqoI0dpZZJ~lyamIiWv11c2lYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Saint Mary's County Public Schools staff and board members recognized 12 teachers who achieved National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification during a Feb. 26 meeting, and noted two additional teachers who completed maintenance of certification. Sarah Loric, supervisor of strategic initiatives, presented the recognition and summarized the program and local supports.

\"National Board certification and the maintenance of certification processes were designed by teachers for teachers,\" Loric said, describing the portfolio- and performance-based nature of the assessments. She told the board that during the 2023–24 submission cycle 43 candidates submitted all four components; of those, 12 are newly certified and two retained certification, bringing the district to 58 active nationally board certified teachers, a 20.6% increase reported by staff.

Loric outlined supports the district provides, including professional learning facilitators who are current NBCTs, an NBCT support course offering CPD credit (97 candidates participating this year), and technology and coaching supports. She also noted that under Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future NBCTs receive additional incentives, including stipends and career-ladder considerations.

Board members and Dr. Smith joined staff to present certificates and plaques to in-person teachers. Staff named a list of the newly recognized teachers during the presentation; several were present to receive plaques. Loric thanked internal leaders who coordinate NBCT cohorts and noted approximately 145 people are active in the current 2024–25 NBCT cycle, including those pursuing initial certification, re-taking components, or maintaining certification.

The board paused briefly for photo recognition and expressions of gratitude. Staff said they will continue offering cohort supports and professional learning opportunities to sustain and grow NBCT participation in the district.","Staff recognized 12 newly National Board Certified Teachers and two renewals, increasing the district total to 58 active NBCTs; district described supports and incentives tied to Maryland's Blueprint for the Future.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6308080,"Board approves consent agenda including Feb. 5 minutes and personnel items",95,2049000,2144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2424802-1c6a35620fcbd7c825e2ed62c8c57987&start=2049&end=2144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2424802-1c6a35620fcbd7c825e2ed62c8c57987/thumbnail_2049000.jpg","/articles/6308080/Maryland/Board-approves-consent-agenda-including-Feb-5-minutes-and-personnel-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308080-d85b1161f74bc6c1d66ebb1fd6ad5d5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188366&Signature=RNUJR0pciPnrYfRB5V2xt3Nmm8cbUNZIUZKOqrBQnfGgTj8VpCtjgq6~0cP5IssWOBVOHNo2Qe78vqFE1cbrAD9oQJGxTvM7dcCWpLHEjuQQKMNKskUsTQuLDoHIfDgvXuDqYK68ytVVT7Xljgjgf6NHeuvj3Ees7Z9u04y30Lb0vKQtSaEY6mhPh9u4-ChJFkS6jtKhPWjspnCGb3ehK7BudvE-lbVEBGyQ2SbOL732AA4fw3iC25eqYjL0VMmaZcw1grn1r14rO8N0x~gSx0-mNZ4rgvfYVOEP7UT5gHHX560Pji~W~MRrPypIk7liQ2aF2BpAK3HIJXvYPob9mQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saint Mary's County Board of Education approved the evening’s consent agenda, which included the minutes of the Feb. 5, 2025 meeting and personnel items for teachers and administrative and supervisory positions.

A board member moved to approve the consent agenda \"as presented.\" The motion was seconded; the chair called for the ayes and announced the motion carried.

The board did not provide an itemized roll-call in the public transcript for the consent vote. The superintendent indicated the consent agenda encompassed routine personnel and minutes approvals and recommended the board adopt it.

The board’s approval means the personnel actions and the Feb. 5 meeting minutes will be entered into the district’s records and the personnel changes will proceed per district procedures.","The board unanimously approved a consent agenda on Feb. 26 that included approval of the Feb. 5 meeting minutes and multiple personnel items for teachers and administrative/supervisory positions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6308085,"Board approves amended 2024-25 school calendar, adds March 7 and three end-of-year makeup days",523,2081000,2604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2424802-1c6a35620fcbd7c825e2ed62c8c57987&start=2081&end=2604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2424802-1c6a35620fcbd7c825e2ed62c8c57987/thumbnail_2081000.jpg","/articles/6308085/Maryland/Board-approves-amended-2024-25-school-calendar-adds-March-7-and-three-end-of-year-makeup-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308085-3adbad456ad45dd0dfd02373e19bdf35/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188366&Signature=QkgpQ~TUT90QW~qZ7qrBRjNbOU2ft1O6xWB72EmFZpnH-di4msBAL2YxC1xmPELYhGr~556Lus6RCwblLu1C00yMiXSPeT4eGQdCqip~8eZHKF5y6XyNYrqsBz2XEVRbizVG2ct~zYy9~4-USg5nRY2gWUOEqDOgkhTV3XkjhT3HdByoCK2fV6gfcytXJpvf9qCaaghoKTROLWq5032ugmUVKyOehG0r2k3l~Z7aG3mE7yq7P6BUHeWZ6o2d1My-T8y8qgHYp6lQ~sd6kOCbeUKE~V-XpVnsrOkJYKAZx6QqitnLvNPd~VaHHgDeydDCgoajy5m6OrCXpgSPBLYBDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saint Mary's County Board of Education on Feb. 26 approved an amendment to the 2024–25 school-year calendar that converts the March 7 professional day into a student day and designates three built-in end-of-year makeup days to be used as needed.

Superintendent’s staff member Dr. Marr presented the proposal to the board, explaining the system is drawing from reserved built-in days after snow-related cancellations earlier in the winter. \"We will be using 9, 10, 11,\" Dr. Marr said, referring to days at the end of the year that would make the school year conclude on the Wednesday the eleventh. He also said the district would maintain April 21 as a possible makeup day if additional days are required and could later request a state waiver of the 180-day instruction requirement only after exhausting calendar options.

The amendment also notes the Chesapeake Public Charter School requested a change to use March 17 as a school day; the board accepted that request alongside the system-wide amendment. Board members discussed the timing in relation to the third marking period and college testing, with one member noting that every avoidable day added before AP tests is helpful to students.

A motion to approve the amended 2024–25 calendar was made, seconded, and approved with the board chair calling for the ayes; the motion carried. The board said it would publish the amended calendar on the district website and distribute it through school messaging channels the following day.

The superintendent’s presentation to the board included contingency language: if the district exhausts the built-in and professional days and still needs more instructional days, staff will return with options to add days at the end of the year or to request a waiver from the state. Dr. Marr said the district’s historical average for used makeup days is about three days and that the proposed changes reflect that pattern.

The board did not specify an individual roll-call vote in the public record during the meeting; the chair announced the motion carried after the ayes were called.

The board indicated communications about the calendar change would be sent to families via each school’s weekly notices and the district’s regular messaging channels.","The Saint Mary's County Board of Education voted Feb. 26 to amend the 2024–25 operating calendar, converting the March 7 professional day into a regular school day and designating three end-of-year makeup days; the Chesapeake Public Charter School requested a similar single-day change.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parent urges public statement on federal executive order over fears for special-education funding

Student member reports near-complete round of elementary visits; rising-freshman nights and teacher job fair announced

Board recognizes 12 newly certified National Board teachers; SMCPS now has 58 active NBCTs

Board approves consent agenda including Feb. 5 minutes and personnel items

Board approves amended 2024-25 school calendar, adds March 7 and three end-of-year makeup days