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Commission says it lacks data to decide whether DORS should move; backs limited follow‑up language
Summary
The Maryland commission voted 9–7 that it does not have sufficient information to recommend whether the Division of Rehabilitation Services should remain in the Maryland State Department of Education or be moved to another agency, and it debated but did not pass a separate study motion.
The commission charged with studying the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) voted that it lacks sufficient information to decide whether DORS should remain within the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) or be relocated to another state agency.
The motion — adopted by a 9–7 show‑of‑hands vote — said the commission "lacks sufficient information and data to make an informed decision as to whether DORS should remain with MSDE or be relocated to a different state agency." Marla Lemon, commission chair and representative of Parents' Place of Maryland, emphasized that recommendations must lead to concrete change for families, saying parents want clearer communication and more efficient service access.
Why it mattered: Commissioners who supported the language said the record includes detailed presentations about MSDE’s investments and new initiatives but does not include enough state‑level analysis of alternative parent agencies such as the Department of Labor or Health and Human Services. Megan Jones of Disability Rights Maryland told the commission she did not have "enough information to make a recommendation that DORS stay with MSDE at this time" and urged further investigation into what other agencies could offer.
What was proposed and what happened next: A subsequent motion to commission a formal follow‑up study to assess the respective benefits of DORS remaining at MSDE versus being housed in another agency was put to a vote but failed to reach the necessary support after a tied count and subsequent clarification. Commissioners described two strains of concern: some said more comparative information from potential receiving agencies was necessary; others cautioned that recent MSDE investments should be allowed to stabilize before considering structural moves.
Quotes from the meeting: State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhary, who appeared with his leadership team, framed DORS as integral to MSDE, saying, "MSDE is DOORS and DOORS is MSDE," and urged commissioners to weigh current operational improvements. Disability Rights Maryland’s written recommendation, read into the record, said a follow‑up study would be appropriate to determine whether another agency could provide management advantages.
Next steps: The commission’s final report — due March 15, 2023 — will reflect the adopted language that the body lacks sufficient information to make a definitive recommendation about relocation. Commissioners noted they will submit additional written comments and that minority positions (Disability Rights Maryland indicated it will submit a minority report) may accompany the commission’s final text.
