Education debate: Frederick County adds 'school choice' to its legislative priorities while urging vocational and mental‑health funding

Frederick County’s board placed school choice on its priority list during an extended Oct. 30 discussion that also covered funding formulas, charter options and vocational education.

Delegate Dolores Oates and other legislators described the ongoing JLARC work on the composite index and COCA line, which could recalibrate state funding for education and public‑service pay. Oates said a work group’s recommendations are expected in December and framed that work as relevant to county budget pressures.

The board’s addition of school choice prompted debate about equity and practicality. Supporters argued competition and more choices could improve outcomes and relieve capital pressures; one delegate said that in other states education savings accounts or vouchers have broadened options. Opponents and cautions cited historical harms when private school alternatives replaced public systems, and several speakers warned the General Assembly currently lacks majority appetite for statewide school‑choice measures.

Separately, supervisors and legislators pressed for expanded vocational and career‑technical education (CTE) and stronger partnerships with community colleges and local businesses — citing Laurel Ridge and employer-provided instructors as ways to strengthen workforce pipelines and address teacher shortages.

No legislative action was taken on school choice at the forum; delegates encouraged further study and review of legal options, and several participants said county staff should follow up with the attorney general’s office for guidance on what can be done without state statutory changes.