The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (SB 1000 / HB 1300) is the Kirwan Commission recommendations in legislation. The bill passed, and now waits on Governor Hogan’s desk for him to sign, veto, or take no action, which will make it go into law by default.
The bill is the first major economic plan for Maryland in probably decades. As our economy changes so must the education and training of its citizens. Maryland is one of the first states to recognize this need and has spent a great deal of time and research to catch-up to other countries in order to compete with them economically on a global basis.
There are five parts to the bill:
- Teacher Pay
The Kirwan Commission did extensive research and found teacher pay is the most important effect on student performance. When teachers are paid a competitive salary, they compete with other careers for high quality professionals. The bill sets a starting salary for all teachers in the state to be $60,000 no later than July 1, 2026. Also included, a career ladder to allow teachers to advance in their profession while remaining in the classroom.
- Pre-K
Because early education is essential for the long-term academic performance of students, The Blueprint will expand public pre-k to three and four-year-olds in families with household incomes of $78,000 or less.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE)
To ensure students are prepared to attend college or trade school, The Blueprint will expand career and technical education in public schools.
- Equity Funding of Schools
The goal is to give every student in the state the equal access to a high-quality education. This starts with community schools with wrap-around services that deal with the unique challenges and needs of the students, their families and the community. In addition, increased funding for areas with concentrated poverty.
- Oversight
The bill establishes an Inspector General (IG) position who is responsible for oversight of the program and will examine local education agencies (LEA) that receive state funds, and will investigate complaints of fraud, waste, and/or abuse.