Maryland / School Boards / Talbot County Public Schools
District staff updated the board on a Syntegix crisis-alert rollout: staff wearables give a 3-press 'help' alert (local responders only) and an 8-press lockdown that notifies county leadership and first responders; district reported six local alerts across five schools in 2½ weeks and plans drills and quarterly data reviews.
Maryland / School Boards / Talbot County Public Schools
At a Jan. 12 work session, district staff presented a proposed FY27 operating budget that seeks a $9.6 million local contribution above the required share, citing salary increases, rising retirement and health costs, expiring grants and technology and building needs.
Maryland / School Boards / Talbot County Public Schools
Board recognized Judy Center staff from four sites, highlighted MSDE‑funded early learning hubs and the district’s ongoing grant work; presenters said the district receives about $1.3 million annually for early learning across Judy Centers and has four operational sites.
Maryland / School Boards / Talbot County Public Schools
The Talbot County Board of Education approved a $492,064.22 contract for a solar array at Magnolia Street, funded primarily by a Maryland Energy Administration grant ($481,000) and supplemental donor funds; the array will be net‑metered to Easton Elementary and is projected to produce operating savings.
Maryland / School Boards / Talbot County Public Schools
Board members and residents sharply debated a district practice that sets a 50% floor on graded assignments; critics called it unfair and lowering standards while others urged the grading committee to present data-driven recommendations in early 2026.
Maryland / School Boards / Talbot County Public Schools
Board hears first reader of Policy 9.35 to align local language to MSDE/COMAR: math language broadened, biology/government EOCs remain 20% of course grade while ELA/math MCAP assessments are now participation-focused; members raised concerns about reduced weight and the 50% floor and asked presenters to return with clarifying language.
Maryland / School Boards / Talbot County Public Schools
Student leaders, teachers and board members clashed over a new high-school practice that sets a 50% floor for missing assignments. The board did not vote on policy but asked the superintendent to issue interim guidance while the grading committee finalizes a district policy.
Maryland / School Boards / Talbot County Public Schools
At its Nov. 19 meeting the board approved Saint Michael's varsity volleyball, a Chapel playground contract, financing for new buses with Cogent Bank, policy 10.18 (student searches), a minimum-school-funding waiver and personnel/consent items. Vote outcomes are summarized below.
Maryland / School Boards / Talbot County Public Schools
The board authorized a contract using Omnia Partners for a full playground replacement at Chapel District Elementary. Funding combines a Public School Construction Program grant (~$312,000), district funds (~$305,000) and $100,000 in community donations.
Maryland / School Boards / Talbot County Public Schools
District staff presented baseline indicators for the new strategic plan (DIBELS, MAP) and explained how MCAP proficiency and growth feed into the Maryland school report card and star ratings. Easton Middle School improved from 2 to 3 stars this year.