Ways and Means Committee backs measure allowing state to withhold school funds over misaligned curriculum

The Ways and Means Committee on April 3 voted to concur with Senate amendments to House Bill 161, a measure that sets a process for the State Superintendent to require county boards of education to make local curriculum guides and courses of study conform to state content standards and, if they do not, to withhold funding.

The bill requires county boards to ensure local curricula align with content standards developed by the Maryland State Department of Education. Under the amended bill, if the state superintendent receives notice or determines that a county’s curriculum guides are not aligned with state standards, the county has 30 days to meet with the superintendent to discuss identified discrepancies and propose a corrective plan. If the county fails to act, the superintendent will issue a second warning after 30 days, and if the problem remains unresolved after 60 days the superintendent is required to notify the comptroller to withhold funds.

Alistair, a staff member briefing the…