Howard County Schools prepare for new year amid staffing improvements and transportation challenges

The Howard County Public Schools Board of Education meeting on August 21, 2025, highlighted significant staffing achievements and preparations for the upcoming school year, while also honoring the legacy of a beloved educator.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano opened the meeting by welcoming new board member Aaron, emphasizing the importance of student representation in decision-making. He expressed optimism for the year ahead, stating, "I know it's going to be a challenging year... but with the help of all these board members around me, we're gonna do a great job."

A key focus of the meeting was the impressive staffing levels as schools prepare to welcome students back. Dr. Martirano reported that 97.5% of schools have filled their certificated positions, with an overall readiness rate of 86% when combining both certificated and non-certificated roles. This marks a significant improvement from the previous year, with certificated vacancies down by 27.5% and non-certificated vacancies reduced by 40%.

The meeting also paid tribute to Jody Zepp, a former Maryland State Teacher of the Year, who recently passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Dr. Martirano reflected on her impact, stating, "Jody will be missed... she represented all of our teachers and what's best about Howard County."

As the first day of school approaches, the board acknowledged the hard work of custodians and transportation staff in preparing for the influx of students. Dr. Martirano urged families to anticipate traffic delays during the initial weeks of school and reassured them that any transportation issues would be communicated promptly.

With the school year set to begin, the board's commitment to student safety and educational excellence remains clear, as they strive to create a supportive environment for over 57,000 students in Howard County.