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Gov. Hogan's Proposed Budget Cut Lethal to Education

June 30, 2020 -- Maryland Governor Larry Hogan proposed $345 million in cuts to education is a lethal injection into public schools. The pandemic forced schools to move into a remote learning environment that further highlighted the inequities that exist for students and families. Gov. Hogan's proposed budget cuts will only add to the struggle schools are expected to face in the fall.

The Board of Public Works, who decides the budget for the entire state, is currently in session and considering major slashes to the budget. On July 1, 2020, the Board of Public Work will take a vote on the funding which include, but is not limited to , grants to local governments for teacher retirement costs, cuts in disparity grants for less wealthy jurisdictions, and cuts to funding schools in critical needs of heating and air conditioning upgrades. This particular request by Gov. Hogan is anticipated to be $200 million taken from Education.

If you don’t know your State Representatives, who will vote to approve Board of Public Works proposal you can check this link:

https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/07leg/html/gaco.html

MSET's STANCE

MSET urges Marylanders to contact the Board of Public Works and their State Delegates and Senators to speak up in opposition to the more than $100 million in education-related cuts proposed for approval by the Board of Public Works on July 1st, and the Governor’s proposal to cut another $200 million in school funding for the coming school year.

How to contact the 3 members of the Board of Public Works:

State Treasurer Nancy Kopp: https://www.treasurer.state.md.us/contactus.aspx
State Comptroller Peter Franchot: pfranchot@comp.state.md.us
Governor Larry Hogan: https://governor.maryland.gov/contact-the-governor/

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Home Internet

In light of the coronavirus outbreak and districts working to provide online learning opportunities for their students, many students will face challenges completing this new course work because of inadequate home internet access. The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) E-rate program helps offset the cost of internet access in schools and libraries. We ask for your assistance to encourage the FCC to allow E-rate to fund home internet access for students as well. With your support, this policy change can impact educational equity dramatically for millions of students. Go to Sign on to Support Home Internet web site and scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up showing your support.

The best way to ensure that policymakers recognize the importance of EdTech is to continue advocating for it through simple yet highly effective actions like calling, tweeting, or sending pre-written letters about the need to invest at the federal and state levels.

Although it may be a slow process, it’s critical to the future of EdTech funding. Our collective voices really can impact policy and funding. MSET strongly encourages our community to take action and participate in our advocacy campaigns!

State Superintendent Search

The Maryland State Board of Education is seeking public input as it begins the search for the next State Superintendent of Schools.

Working with search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), the Board has scheduled a series of public forums to help identify the characteristics necessary to help lead the State's education system. The forums, facilitated by a member of HYA, will be held at five locations throughout the State. You can find the locations and dates here.

In addition, an online survey has been posted to collect information. The public can access the survey at https://ecrasurvey.com/msdesupt2020. Responses are due by March 4th.

Maryland State Board adopts ISTE Standards

Maryland Advocacy Education News:

State Board of Education Teacher Teacher Member Election (MSDE)
August 2019 Meeting Recap (ASBO)
Department of Legislative Services Briefing on the Kirwan Commisson (CEASOM: January 14, 2020)

Maryland General Assembly Updates

Kirwan Bills' Fiscal Note (February 17, 2020): The Fiscal Note for the Kirwan bills are ready for public view.

The Education Advocate via MABE (January 28, 2020): This issue consists of information including Legislative Committee Update,, Built to Learn Act Update, Budget Briefing Highlights, Passing Kirwan in 2020 -- MABE Resources, and Bill Report.

MABE 2020 Legislative Priorities (January 2020): Learn about the Maryland Legislative Priorities & Forecast.

2020 MAG Session Brings New Procedures for Delivering Testimony (January 15, 2020): This practice will change the manner in which educators address the MGA.

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