The Blueprint for Maryland's Future

District leaders said in a town hall that their system surpasses the Blueprint For Maryland’s Future in terms of community schools and pre-K access, but lacks funding for some changes.

Contrasting spending plans will dominate the action in Annapolis for the rest of the month.

Community colleges already receive a fraction of funding given to the University of Maryland system. Now, leaders worry they’ll have to raise tuition and reduce financial aid.

The state board of education voted unanimously on Tuesday to adopt a new payment system for families earning between $83,000 and $166,000. But some say there are still many details to work out.

The 10 year plan will better educational and health services for children.

After months of negotiating, district leaders and the local union finalized pay raises for the current school year. But the payment scale system will change completely in July.

State education leaders cited progress in teacher certification and community school openings, while lawmakers raised concerns about full-day pre-K implementation.

What does expanding state-funded pre-K mean for the private child care industry? We talk to a board member overseeing implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the head of a state association of childcare providers.

Two new full-day classes will open after winter break, said Superintendent Myriam Rogers. Many more will open next fall.

The standards adopted by the board will influence per-pupil funding under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future – and determine student access to advanced and career-focused programs.