MSDE representative backs bill to let state superintendent declare localized prolonged emergencies for schools
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Summary
Nick Greer of the Maryland State Board of Education testified that Senate Bill 218 would let the state superintendent, in consultation with the governor and local superintendents, declare a prolonged state of emergency for specific schools or systems to permit temporary transition to virtual instruction when local conditions disrupt in‑person learning; amendments were described as guardrails and the sponsor requested a favorable report.
Nick Greer, parent member of the Maryland State Board of Education, told the committee Senate Bill 218 aims to close a gap in the current law that limits prolonged emergency declarations to the governor. "Under current law, only the governor may declare a state of emergency that permits a local education agency to transition to virtual learning if in person learning is not possible for 14 or more consecutive days," Greer said.
Greer said the legislation would authorize the state superintendent, in consultation with the governor and the local county superintendent, to declare a targeted prolonged state of emergency for public schools when extenuating circumstances require a temporary transition to virtual instruction. He described amendments intended as guardrails: requiring written declarations, mandating consultation with local superintendents, and defining three methods to terminate the declaration.
Delia Ebersole asked whether the Senate and House versions incorporated the same amendments; Greer responded he believed the same amendments were adopted. Chair Wilkins closed the hearing after recorded questions concluded. No vote or fiscal note discussion appears in the transcript.
