#MEC
@marylandeducationcoalition
CALL TO ACTION:
Join our Town Hall Discussion on major education issues for the 2021 legislative session
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
6:00-7:30 PM
Please register on Eventbrite here:
Join the Maryland Education Coalition as we discuss critical education funding and policy matters for this legislative session and how we can work together to ensure that the rights of Maryland’s children are a top priority!
Topics will include:
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How can we ensure an override of the Governor’s veto of the $3.4 billion Blueprint bill (Kirwan)?
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What is in the Governor's budget for education for the upcoming year?
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How can funding equity in the Blueprint bill be improved?
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What is needed to address learning loss, and funding losses related to enrollment?
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How can we take action collectively NOW and throughout the session to ensure your legislators are working towards addressing important education issues?
The Maryland Education Coalition (MEC) members represents parents, civil rights, & special student population groups. For over 40 years MEC has advocated for adequate, equitable resources and systematic accountability for the estimated 900,000 public school students in Maryland’s public schools regardless of their academic, cultural, economic, geographic, racial or other demographic status. This includes students people of color, those identified as lower income, special needs, limited English, homeless, foster care, Gifted & Talented or within the Juvenile Service systems.
We believe a public education is a constitutional right based on Article VIII of the Maryland Constitution that requires all public school students equitable access to a quality education so each may graduate college or career-ready. We also believe it is a civil right based on several federal and state laws or regulations
MEC urges ALL members, partners, friends and community members to remain Smart, Safe and Healthy by
Practicing Masking, Hand-washing and Physical Separation with Social Engagement
MARYLAND EDUCATION COALITION
2021 General Assembly Recommendations
O V E R R I D E T H E V E T O
The Blueprint for Maryland's Future implements a series of important education reforms that benefit our children’s education, health and well-being, and the state’s economy. Community pressure is needed to override Governor Hogan's veto of this bi-partisan long-term investment in PK-12 Public Education.
I M P R O V E E Q U I T Y I N P O L I C Y & F U N D I N G
Lawmakers are already planning a Blueprint Correction Bill to update the phase-in timeline. The Blueprint Correction Bill should prioritize students who need the most support (e.g., pre-existing and COVID related learning loss, low-income, ELL, and special education).
M A I N T A I N E X I S T I N G P R I O R I T I E S
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Ensure the state budget for fiscal year 2022 allocates funding to the same education line items prioritized in Blueprint bills SB1030 (2019) and in HB1300 (2020).
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Support the governor and legislature taking necessary action to fund the priorities identified in the Blueprint bill including but not limited to; school health, tutoring, early childhood, pre-kindergarten, and wrap around services. All of which will be essential in re-engagement and recovery of students due to the impact of Covid-19.
D I G I T A L D I V I D E & E N R O L L M E N T L O S S
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Support legislation to address the digital divide prioritizing students and districts with the greatest needs immediately.
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Resources to eliminate the digital divide must be in addition to resources for implementation of the Blueprint bill preferably using separate or different revenue resources.
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Support legislation to hold Districts harmless for enrollment loss in FY22 (school year 21-22) budget. Use 2019 enrollment count or 3 years rolling average.
B L U E P R I N T & S T A T E E D U C A T I O N
R E G U L A T I O N S
MEC recommends amending the Blueprint to enable compliance with the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Title 13A standards. COMAR outlines State standards and requirements all aspects of a comprehensive education including Career Technology Education, class size, Fine Arts, Gifted and Talented, Physical Education, and pupil support services.
P R O G R E S S I V E R E V E N U E L E G I S L A T I O N
Support progressive revenue legislation to provide resources for the purposes of:
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ensuring access to equitable and adequate
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funding for public education,
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full implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future,
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eliminating the digital divide,
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holding school districts harmless for enrollment losses,
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addressing learning loss due to Covid-19.
(MSDE) COVID-19 Guidance, Resources and Updates for Maryland Schools and Communities
Multiple state agencies are collaborating on and are committed to the health and safety of students and staff in the school setting. We are working collaboratively with the Governor's Office, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and all other relevant State agencies on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Maryland State Department of Education will remain vigilant in providing all information regarding the virus as it pertains to the health and safety of students and staff in our schools.
SAFELY REOPENING MARYLAND’S SCHOOLS
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Read the Maryland Together plan here.
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Please email comments to: educationplan.msde@maryland.gov until further notice. Comments will be reviewed on a continuous basis.
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The Path Forward - Read the guidance and benchmarks, updated November 2020.
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COVID-19 Guidance for Maryland Schools- Updated November 13, 2020
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Response to a Laboratory Confirmed Case of COVID-19 and Persons with COVID-19-like Illness in Schools Updated November 13, 2020
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Outbreak-Associated Cases in Schools - Updated Weekly
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Guidance for Temperature and Symptom Screening in Schools - Updated November 13, 2020
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Guidance for Use of Cloth Face Coverings in Schools -Updated August 28, 2020
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COVID In Maryland: How Each School District Is Responding To An Uptick In COVID-19 Cases November 11
How to find Maryland Local School Systems 2020-21
School Reopening Plans and other school system resources
Click HERE for School Systems Links and Search
- Recover or Reopening Plans
Maryland Education Coalition (MEC)
-- Advocates for civil rights, health, public education & safety for all students and their families
MSDE'S Maryland Together:
Maryland's Recovery Plan for Child Care
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Frequently Asked Questions - Click HERE
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MSDE List of Operating Child Care Sites
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COVID-19 GUIDANCE For Child Care Facilities
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How do I apply for the Child Care Scholarship program?
The Child Care Scholarship program provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland. Parents who earn up to 60% of State Median Income are eligible (e.g., a family of four can have an income of up to $71,525 per year and qualify for a scholarship).
To find out more about eligibility and how to apply for the Child Care Scholarship program - Click HERE
FEDERAL CARES ACT FUNDING ALLOCATED TO MARYLAND LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS and CHILDCARE
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Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund.
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Remote Learning Enhancements - $100 Million
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Targeted Tutoring Initiatives - $100 Million
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Rural Broadband - $10 Million
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Maryland Total - $207.8 million
(Note: 10% allocated to MSDE for administrative costs)
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Total to School systems - $187 million
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Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund
- $45.7 million.
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Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) - $45.5 million
TOTAL CARE FUNDS ALLOCATED to Local Systems
- $299.0 million
For more details, Click HERE
The Maryland General Assembly
2020 - 71 DAY REPORT
- A Review of the 2020 Legislative Session
General Assembly of Maryland (GAM)
- 2021 SESSION 442nd Session Highlights
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January 13 - GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONVENES (noon, Wednesday)
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April 12 - 90th Day – ADJOURNMENT “SINE DIE” (Monday)
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Senate Reopening Guidelines (NEW - Please Review/Share)
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House Committee Guidelines (NEW - Please Review/Share)
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GAM Senate & House Committees Information, Publications, etc
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Legislation, Meetings, Membership, Subcommittees
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Spending Affordability Committee Briefing – October 27, 2020.
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NEW - Updated Weekly - COVID-19 Data Dashboards
STATE AID TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
for FY 2020 & 2021 Statewide & Each Local Jurisdiction
- Approved State Aid to Local Governments for Public Education Expenses by major category and by local school system (Estimates subject to changes)