Accountability and Implementation Board outlines Blueprint measures, urges evidence‑based changes and flags staffing needs

The Accountability and Implementation Board told the Education and Economic Development Subcommittee that its fiscal 2026 allowance decreases by about $900,000 (21%) to $3.4 million, and described work to finalize Blueprint outcome measures, approve agency implementation plans and run leadership training cohorts.

Laura Hyde, the committee’s budget analyst, summarized the fiscal 2026 allowance and staff needs and said the AIB’s personnel complement is 16 regular positions; as of January 2025 AIB had filled 10 regular positions and planned to hire five additional staff. Hyde asked AIB to comment on higher vacancy counts and delays in filling an accountability director post and other key roles.

Rachel Heiss, AIB’s executive director (presenting with Board Chair Leggett), said the board is emphasizing faithful implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and cautioned that changes should be evidence based. Heiss described progress on early‑adoption measures and work to align metrics with the State Board of Education and noted the board’s recommendation to reconsider the timing of some implementation deadlines because of teacher shortages.

Why it matters: AIB’s measures and guidance shape how local education agencies allocate Blueprint funding, set minimum school funding compliance and build leadership training designed to improve instruction and retention.

Key points

- Budget and staffing: Hyde reported a net decrease in AIB’s fiscal 2026 allowance driven by the end of technical assistance grants; AIB planned to fill remaining policy analyst, accountability and fiscal positions and noted a challenge recruiting for a small agency.

- Minimum school funding compliance: Under Chapter 36 (Blueprint), LEAs must meet minimum school funding provisions. Hyde reported that as of January 2025, 23 of 24 LEAs met the criteria for fiscal 2025 and had funds released; the board continues to monitor local compliance timelines.

- Outcome measures and metrics: AIB and the State Board developed a set of aligned outcome measures with targets for literacy, mathematics, chronic absenteeism and other indicators. Heiss said nine metrics have targets for 2025–26 and the board expects to finalize remaining measures after baseline data are available in the spring or early summer.

- Leadership training and potential additional costs: AIB is operating a cohort-based leadership training program required under Chapter 36 and noted a related proposal (the Maryland School Leadership Academy) could include mentors and expanded participant definitions (assistant principals, instructional coaches). Heiss said an added mentoring component would likely increase costs.

Board posture and recommendations

AIB emphasized implementation fidelity and asked that any proposed changes be grounded in evidence. Heiss recommended attention to workforce development for school leaders and teachers while maintaining the integrity of Blueprint objectives. AIB also recommended separating the annual report deadline from the November legislative timeline or providing earlier submission dates for legislative recommendations to ease reporting constraints.

What was not decided

AIB urged the legislature and MSDE to consider timing and resource implications before altering Blueprint mandates; no statutory changes were enacted during the hearing.

Proposed follow up

AIB will complete remaining metric baselines and bring targets to the State Board of Education in spring/early summer and provide the committee with requested commentary on vacancy causes, the teacher preparation work group status, and technical assistance grant outcomes.