SMCPS reports 50 new teachers, targeted vacancies and registration reminders ahead of Aug. 20 school opening
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Smith told the board the district hired 50 new teachers this year (the smallest cohort in over a decade), highlighted persistent vacancy categories and urged families to register students before the Aug. 20 school opening; the board approved the agenda and consent items by voice vote.
Superintendent Dr. Smith told the Saint Mary's County Board of Education on Aug. 13 that Saint Mary's County Public Schools hired 50 new teachers for the 2025–26 school year, including four new counselors and six new nurses, and that the district continues active recruiting to fill persistent vacancies ahead of school opening on Aug. 20.
Dr. Smith described the 50 new teachers as the smallest incoming cohort in more than a decade and said 42 of the new hires were internal promotions while two were external hires. He also listed ongoing vacancies that the district is actively interviewing to fill: remaining elementary education openings, a JROTC instructor at Great Mills High School, a media specialist, middle‑school math and science positions, and several positions in special education (occupational therapists, speech‑language pathologists, instructional resource teachers) and related service roles.
The superintendent urged families to register children this week to avoid delays once schools open and noted the Home Access Center (HAC/HACC) would open at 5 p.m. on Aug. 15 so families can see schedules and teacher assignments. He said Chesapeake Public Charter School opened on Aug. 13 and that most district schools will hold open houses on Aug. 18. Dr. Smith also highlighted a summer public‑health academy where students worked with the county health department on projects including antibiotic stewardship and the effects of exercise on mental health.
Student member Vanessa Lee reported she attended the Maryland Association of Student Councils advanced retreat and will present workshops at the statewide fall leadership conference in November. Vanessa Lee also said committee applications are open for students interested in statewide student council work and noted the district's recognition of Deborah Denny via a state award naming.
During public comment, Sarah Penrod, president of the Education Association of Saint Mary's County, welcomed educators back, commended building service workers for summer work preparing buildings and urged community support for schools. "There's nothing quite like the energy and optimism of these first few days," Penrod said.
Votes at a glance: - Agenda approval: Motion made and seconded; approved by voice vote. No recorded roll‑call tally provided in the transcript. - Consent agenda: Motion to approve the consent agenda (minutes of 07/30/2025; personnel items none; IT security purchase through Omnia partner contract 2024056‑02; UniFirst uniform rental and cleaning services): seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board received the superintendent and student‑member reports and approved the agenda and consent agenda by voice vote; there were no action items on the regular agenda that required separate votes.