MARYLAND EDUCATION COALITION - 2026 PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES​​

• Ensure Maryland’s operating and capital budgets for education are adequately funded and equitably distributed with no cuts to public education operations 

  • All Blueprint implementation and funding should advance equity in outcomes, transparency, and fidelity to the law’s intent.

  • All students should be provided with the support and resources necessary to properly prepare them for the wide range of post-secondary college or career opportunities.

  • Work with the “Budget Brain Trust” (was Fair Share) on public education related budget issues

• Create a Cost of Public Education Task Force that includes essential stakeholders to provide an updated cost of public education in Maryland, which ensures adequate funding and equitable distributed including:

  • Foundation Aid (ensure the fund includes all costs included in this category)

  • Compensatory Aid – Update tools used to calculate enrollment and eligibility

  • Concentration of Poverty/Community Schools (ensure funds are adequate and more equitably distributed among all levels of community schools)

  • Special Education – Formula & nonpublic (Update costs more adequately and distribute equitably)

  • English Language Learners Grant (update average costs and (ensure that actual enrollment is counted)

  • Prekindergarten Expansion Program (adjust for recent reports of projected enrollment decreases)

  • Full Day Pre-Kindergarten (adjust for recent reports of projected enrollment decreases)

• Decrease Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy​ (Implement practices for controlled and uncontrolled issues)

  • Minimize impact on attendance related to family, finance, health, immigration and other issues

• Recruit, retain and increase the number of high quality educators and school student service professionals

  • Continue support of “Grow Your Own” and other programs that attract and retain quality educators

  • Increase staffing of diverse, highly qualified educators and student service professionals (guidance counselors, social workers, psychologists, etc.)  in economically disadvantaged, high minority schools

• Improve funding of school facilities day to day operations as a separate budget item

• Maintain and increase the Capital Budget for Public School Construction to ensure all students are in school facilities that meet 21st century, academic, career technology and other school community needs.

• Improve Stakeholder Engagement within all levels of government bodies that address public education

  • Intentional, meaningful engagement of families, students, educators, and community partners must be central to decision‑making.

• Support policies and procedures to reduce disproportionality in school discipline and promote non-punitive interventions such as Restorative Practices.​