[{"_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",6280412,"mediaKeyId","2615557-d19f8a70e74ca046c7075cc91a8e7bd4","parentId",2615557,"title","Superintendent highlights annual report, rising‑freshman events, arts season and teacher recruitment","audioSeconds",619,"startMs",198000,"endMs",817000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615557-d19f8a70e74ca046c7075cc91a8e7bd4&start=198&end=817","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615557-d19f8a70e74ca046c7075cc91a8e7bd4/thumbnail_198000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6280412/Maryland/Superintendent-highlights-annual-report-risingfreshman-events-arts-season-and-teacher-recruitment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280412-70dd0ecfbfa054f8d67006674630f398/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157847&Signature=R~9pQZ6ZzTHYz8s-zPyGkpFU1C7MU4XkUxBB6q-QIvPTLEL3~4SV5a4LF5EvFqTpuJ6M7DfA6WuCl8lVeQSZ-U9hOnDjM4KgHFnv0nRauvcaeJu8NlBDssqyEFGHJWgMscC3MIw3HsVAeHOSqLuKrei7O4h83xeGsHkNEDD8lgjcV5xNHPyNHu8NVmy69jii33v98AZGfPyTBHCiT2OXeBKyzAm5QEfdmZsr83BBITwppEVd~bT5nZ2PY~PhloDQ4bfsh3rktH33Q~3iZ7JJn6XDmV62VJerDkEYIEgg-z8bYQRLFsYXdMLBOMBC4q0IiEURU8hcj6YyEZzbp6yvmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-13T01:51:22Z","article","The superintendent delivered the district report at the March 12 meeting, summarizing outreach, student events, and recruitment efforts.

The superintendent said the district’s annual report was posted online under the “About Us” tab and highlighted a three‑minute video titled “We Hear” (described as “Hear, Engaged, Approachable, Renewed”) that features board members and students; staff said the video will be posted to YouTube and shared on social media.

The superintendent recounted rising freshman orientation nights held at Great Mills, Chopticon and Leonardtown high schools with full auditoriums, and described Reading Across America activities including visits by the sheriff’s office and administrators to read to elementary students.

Athletics and arts were highlighted: the superintendent noted state wrestling champions at Leonardtown and Great Mills high schools and previewed multiple upcoming school theater productions (including a production at Great Mills, Leonardtown’s production and a later show at Chopticon). Staff urged community attendance to support student performers and crews.

On staffing and recruitment, the superintendent said the district will host a Teacher Pipeline Summit with Tri‑County partners at the University System of Southern Maryland and a teacher job fair at Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School on March 29; the superintendent said candidates for high‑need areas such as special education may be offered contracts on the spot.

The superintendent also noted ongoing budget work sessions and said the board should stay tuned for potential decisions as county and state funding remain unsettled.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","St. Mary's County Public Schools Board of Education Meeting - 03/12/25","oneSentenceSummary","The superintendent summarized the district’s recent outreach and events, posted its annual report online, and previewed a short video highlighting the district’s theme “We Hear.”","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},6280407,"Public commenters propose 'Acorns Hope' reading program; teachers plan March 19 'walk‑in' protest",386,1315000,1701000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615557-d19f8a70e74ca046c7075cc91a8e7bd4&start=1315&end=1701","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615557-d19f8a70e74ca046c7075cc91a8e7bd4/thumbnail_1315000.jpg","/articles/6280407/Maryland/Public-commenters-propose-Acorns-Hope-reading-program-teachers-plan-March-19-walkin-protest","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280407-bc16cfe5d2b522d8c8962bf50ffb0252/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157847&Signature=PouYqT~GlMYMcUyN4twjojsvKKW0Z~JpU3FNPIX5z28VgkeFzblnBqD0ANJ2tGA2-yRDtK3FcjFIAnwrcPRxKK9JfplMjN~RqX4Ey5Wdqp3OpjbSBPyrSWRS2UCGQ5QNiraYF9nzEnH7fDW9XgJKhUoGKuLTd2BN5614b24MNs44e9U4wTMHDspze1Qms39z-srXQbjY4XyA3ynhw41RGQURJA9qIMynRb1BPSSNaD4gd1Z6L~5y1dFzSMVc63poIbDxbYNTjtMRet58txJx8ErKjdoSnLgW2NVwliQT1ocxO10SYP4o2zlHuE7loYfBUjNezzgXTfPxjhWRqO7YPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two public commenters addressed the board during the March 12 public comment period with distinct proposals.

Eve Goldstein described childhood experiences with abuse and proposed a volunteer program she called “Acorns Hope,” offering to read her children’s book Charles the Amazing Acorn in elementary schools. Goldstein said the program would pair a short reading by a volunteer with classroom lessons on life skills and provide confidential referral pathways to student services for children who need follow up. She said she would leave a copy of the book for each board member and provided contact information for follow up.

Sarah Penrod, identified as president of the Education Association of Saint Mary's County and speaking as a 15‑year educator, announced that local educators, parents and allies are being asked to take part in a March 19 “walk‑in” to protest actions she described as dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. Penrod said the walk‑in will take place before the duty day, will not disrupt instruction, and that participants will wear red for education; she urged staff members who can safely join to wear red in solidarity and said school buildings would remain open and staffed.

Penrod framed the planned action as a defense of public education, civil rights enforcement in schools, and resources for students with disabilities. She said the union’s action will be peaceful and that participating staff will return to classrooms for the instructional day.

Neither comment resulted in board action at the meeting; both were entered into the public record.","Two public commenters proposed a volunteer elementary reading program called “Acorns Hope” and announced a March 19 walk‑in demonstration by educators to support the U.S. Department of Education.",{"_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},6280417,"SMCPS financial report: 71% of revenues received, expenditures at 95.5% of budget; special education transfers flagged",68,2496000,2564000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615557-d19f8a70e74ca046c7075cc91a8e7bd4&start=2496&end=2564","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615557-d19f8a70e74ca046c7075cc91a8e7bd4/thumbnail_2496000.jpg","/articles/6280417/Maryland/SMCPS-financial-report-71-of-revenues-received-expenditures-at-955-of-budget-special-education-transfers-flagged","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280417-73e6b819e17b3f614538b5d4f4fab309/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157847&Signature=SpWsUePrFdtfRqqoN84drZRx96pAPV74IdPC6VSd0xirRdZw6dNUa6uyKsYNtpqadBV4PEHwQHxS0ugG-ug7Xeoz8oNvMTGTrBk6KZJAC3aCa5YIcN5~K7mX9au6frti1Ae9HOU-3y1axvFJCKije98N0OuFGIa2PymhRnbQefHK-wlXP0p3hG8AxxODogmEzouFQ8Epb~9O9zrtuSBXCDJnE78ij6J5jbJ1WcdPc4aNxa-2qnaGQ8P4bGTM15s0ZO0Q6YDV8Ga5tBpLtdcgODCi~ghIabOjhiZxqWhH3EOWfdwURCBTgEWbnoTmhGXaYBRXtb9S7NRHPv2PkwJYJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District finance staff reported February year‑to‑date financials to the board on March 12, saying the district has received $209.3 million in revenues against a $292.5 million budget and has year‑to‑date expenditures and encumbrances totaling $279.5 million.

“Of the $292,500,000 budget, we have received revenues of $209,300,000. Outstanding revenues are currently at $83,000,000. We received 71% of the revenues,” the presenter said. On the expenditure side, the presenter reported year‑to‑date expenses and encumbrances totaling $279,500,000, representing 95.5% of the budget.

Staff identified one area of concern: transfers out related to special education exceeding the budget line. In the meeting transcript the presenter stated a figure of $204,000,000 for that overage; the magnitude of that number appears anomalous in context and should be verified with finance staff and the official budget documents. The presenter also noted the governor has highlighted special education as an area where local expenses may increase relative to state support.

No board action was taken on the financial report; it was presented for information.","At the March 12 meeting staff reported February year‑to‑date revenues at $209.3 million (71% of a $292.5 million budget) and expenditures and encumbrances of $279.5 million (95.5%). Staff noted transfers out for special education exceed the budget line as reported in the meeting.",{"_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},6280421,"SMCPS reports slight dip in 4‑year graduation rate for SY 2024; gaps narrowing over decade",206,1802000,2008000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615557-d19f8a70e74ca046c7075cc91a8e7bd4&start=1802&end=2008","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615557-d19f8a70e74ca046c7075cc91a8e7bd4/thumbnail_1802000.jpg","/articles/6280421/Maryland/SMCPS-reports-slight-dip-in-4year-graduation-rate-for-SY-2024-gaps-narrowing-over-decade","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280421-0926efc561c10aba5e4a82f1bac24e21/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157847&Signature=G6aVMjzmSHbHGvQ0I3jrXyK2tOzNRS4vwgneVd3wBAR01Sz9oJyq~IsuGT1fm2blNYIA1NN5gO4~zgFIvUmA9FxMxnX4oNExmp2aLP9Uf5Yw4sCVawUZQhN3hi9HMYQGVwkw-BMvHD7DueuHg7OC6m5gC2aXc9Byx39nd8Ngyntvv5eaoNXloBCK6UgLi77j7UfkZXIKhkN2smdqAAatGMD6-wLA3FY4goR5y1EDaPk8~Hma1fL3AUy-dxyba~cOpCqca61d5SXtazG090CD6eismaqmqEW6DyitA3lDdM-ipDkPt1RR9T4THBzfP70dDmRVnvmZnWFQvJ~marXMrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff presented preliminary four‑year graduation rates for the 2024 cohort at the March 12 Saint Mary's County Board of Education meeting, saying the SY 2024 rate fell slightly from 2023 but remains above the 2022 level.

“Graduation rates did decrease slightly, but it was by less than half of a percentage point from SY 23,” the presenter, identified in the agenda as Ms. Burr, told the board. She said the data had been embargoed until presentation to the State Board of Education on Feb. 25, and the slides covered only four‑year graduation rates and historical trends—not five‑year completions or certificates of completion.

Ms. Burr said roughly 5 percent or fewer of district students historically earn a certificate of completion in lieu of a diploma; per Maryland State Department of Education suppression rules, those small counts are not reported in the displayed data. The presenter also noted that many students in the SY 2024 cohort were freshmen during the COVID‑19 disruptions and that is relevant to outcomes for that cohort.

The board was shown disaggregated subgroup trends. Between 2023 and 2024, the gap between African American students and white students narrowed by about 1.19 percentage points, the presenter said. The presenter also reported a slight drop in the four‑year graduation rate for students with disabilities, but added that the subgroup’s four‑year rate remained about 5.8 percentage points higher than the state average.

Board members asked staff to continue analyzing the underlying causes of subgroup gaps and to bring forward strategies to close them. A board member emphasized attendance as the single greatest determinant of on‑time graduation and urged families to ensure students attend school regularly.

The presenter said the district will provide further analysis and strategies in forthcoming reports; the four‑year figures presented do not include five‑year graduates or certificate recipients.","District staff presented SY 2024 four‑year graduation rates, noting a small decline of less than half a percentage point from 2023 but long‑term progress in closing subgroup gaps; presenters emphasized embargo timing and that 5‑year and certificate completions are excluded from the presented 4‑year rates.",{"_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},6280425,"Board recognizes National School Social Work Week, highlights 15 social workers' caseloads",305,840000,1145000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2615557-d19f8a70e74ca046c7075cc91a8e7bd4&start=840&end=1145","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2615557-d19f8a70e74ca046c7075cc91a8e7bd4/thumbnail_840000.jpg","/articles/6280425/Maryland/Board-recognizes-National-School-Social-Work-Week-highlights-15-social-workers-caseloads","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6280425-1d9359018a29181eeb998235ac718e31/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157847&Signature=Mg-F4BPkxqKDK8iAeYWMh6nM--~rDT8pvpSb~U84T0khDgrgk~0mu07q~Of6XEOVwnTgoDzuKhk-l85dWBGh9tkEtISwzcmI-RHLefLQpaU7saWIA1Ac65tPmS0TqtOUHo1gLXCk3KIp136HMMDI-gGCuKsV7xDU~ubgaxMLBw0PRM5x2LZNjeTXdPbVrS99sOWPMXXcn~b8eO7kTVwgdLlSJye-9bOe1tN0xaS-Fe~ZYi4pFuQk3viimHpFYZL9~PtX0RbT7o8JZMJlzrNpUndhr~j-GkDCi4pCuPWirVFzW5YHNpEJVUD9Nj9YV-MM90645OvpVfZAcLhvpXuyqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saint Mary's County Board of Education on March 12 adopted a resolution recognizing National School Social Work Week and thanked the district’s school social work team for supporting student mental health.

The resolution, signed by the board, praises school social workers as licensed mental health professionals and notes their role in “supporting the mental health and well‑being of our students,” according to remarks read at the meeting by a board staff member.

The board recognized individual social workers by name: Precious Applewhite (Esperanza Middle School), Lori Brennan (Margaret Brent Middle School), Alexis Broom (Piney Point and Greenview Knolls Elementary), Shanice Fenwick (Leonardtown Middle School), Tamika Johnson (Leonardtown Elementary and Chesapeake Charter School), Melanie Ladig (Benjamin Banneker and Evergreen Elementary), and Lindsay Robison (Chopticon High School). The presenter said the full team now numbers 15 and serves the district’s approximately 16,500 students.

“We wanted to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the invaluable role of the school’s social workers,” the presenter said. “They are the lifeline for many students facing challenges that impact their ability to learn, grow, and thrive.”

A summary presented at the meeting said the social work team saw nearly 1,300 students last year, including about 500 students enrolled in a 12‑week ongoing counseling program, and conducted almost 2,400 crisis walk‑in sessions. The presenter and the resolution text framed those services as filling gaps where community services are unavailable or have long wait lists.

Board members and the presenter encouraged the public to acknowledge the week and the staff who provide school‑based mental health supports.

The board did not record a separate roll‑call vote in the transcript for the resolution; the document presented was signed and entered into the record.","The Saint Mary's County Board of Education adopted a resolution recognizing National School Social Work Week and acknowledged the district’s 15 licensed social workers and their recent caseloads, including nearly 1,300 students served and roughly 2,400 crisis walk‑in sessions last year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent highlights annual report, rising‑freshman events, arts season and teacher recruitment

Public commenters propose 'Acorns Hope' reading program; teachers plan March 19 'walk‑in' protest

SMCPS financial report: 71% of revenues received, expenditures at 95.5% of budget; special education transfers flagged

SMCPS reports slight dip in 4‑year graduation rate for SY 2024; gaps narrowing over decade

Board recognizes National School Social Work Week, highlights 15 social workers' caseloads