Purple Star awarded to 8 Maryland schools for supporting military families

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland State Department of Education has announced that eight schools in the state are recipients of the first Purple Star designation. This recognition is given to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to students from military families. The Purple Star designation program was created in 2023, and schools are eligible if they have a demonstrated commitment to supporting […]

Governor Moore visits Maryland State Department of Education in support of investment in public education, child care

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this week visited the Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building in Baltimore to meet with Interim State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright, State Board of Education leadership, and Maryland State Department of Education employees. The visit to the agency’s headquarters marked the first by a governor in more than a decade. “We owe it to […]

Maryland State Board of Education calls for adoption of Science of Reading-based literacy instruction statewide

BALTIMORE, MD—This week, the Maryland State Board of Education called for the statewide adoption and implementation of literacy instruction based on the Science of Reading starting with the 2024-25 academic year. Under the State Board resolution (24-01), Dr. Carey Wright, Interim State Superintendent of Schools, will present the board with a comprehensive literacy policy aligned to the Science of Reading […]

NOW YOU KNOW: Year-end highlights – part 2

The following is a legislative update from Delegates Kathy Szeliga and Ryan Nawrocki. As we prepare for a new year filled with resolutions and growth, we took some time to review the highlights of what has taken place between the 2023 and upcoming 2024 legislative sessions. Once we return to Baltimore County after Sine Die, the work does not end. […]

MSDE releases $5 milion in bonus payments to improved child care programs

BALTIMORE, MD—This week, the Maryland State Department of Education announced the distribution of $5 million in bonuses to Maryland EXCELS child care programs with higher quality ratings, as part of the transformative Blueprint for Maryland’s Future landmark legislation. More than 4,970 child care and early education programs statewide participate in the Maryland EXCELS quality rating and improvement system. The bonus […]

MSDE awards over $4 million for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

BALTIMORE, MD—More Maryland students will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day through a $4.7 million federal grant program. The Maryland State Department of Education is distributing funds to 213 elementary schools statewide from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, up from 196 participating schools during the 2022-23 academic year. The program […]

Maryland State Board of Education appoints Dr. Carey Wright as interim State Superintendent

BALTIMORE, MD—The State Board voted unanimously on Wednesday evening to appoint Dr. Carey Wright as the interim State Superintendent of Schools for the remainder of the current term through June 30, 2024. Dr. Wright will begin her service as State Superintendent by October 23, 2023, pending the completion of onboarding logistics. Most recently, Dr. Wright served for nine years as […]