The Maryland Supreme Court issued a significant opinion on June 23 in Board of Education for Wicomico County v. Rhonda V. Sturm, clarifying the scope of sovereign immunity for local boards of education facing historical claims under the Child Victims Act of 2023 (CVA). The Court held that county boards retain complete sovereign immunity for claims arising from conduct before 1971, because the General Assembly never appropriated funds or provided a funding mechanism to pay such judgments.  The Court explained clearly, “the only mechanism the General Assembly has ever provided for that purpose is [ ] authorizing and requiring the Board to procure comprehensive liability insurance,” which did not exist until July 1, 1971. (See Opinion at 40).

The Court also held that a lower court’s order denying a motion to dismiss on the ground of complete sovereign immunity is immediately appealable, meaning that county boards may appeal such orders after the motion to dismiss phase, while the case is pending, and do not need to wait for a final decision because that would frustrate the purpose of sovereign immunity. (See Opinion at 2-3).

While the Court was explicit in holding that county boards retain complete sovereign immunity for pre-1971 claims, the Court was not as clear about what this case means for post-1971 claims.  The Court does not explicitly address this question, but the Court’s analysis leads to a clear implication that, because insurance is the only funding mechanism the General Assembly has ever authorized for county boards, the liability cap for any given claim should be tied to the insurance available at the time of the alleged conduct, not today’s statutory caps.  In other words, even though current liability caps for CVA claims are $400,000, because the General Assembly required boards to carry $100,000 in coverage in, say, 1985, the liability cap for allegations of 1985 conduct would be $100,000, because a board’s exposure can be no greater than the funding mechanism that existed to support it.

One could argue further that even the statutory insurance requirement is not the liability ceiling, but rather the ceiling is the actual coverage carried by a board at the time, since the Court focuses its opinion substantially on funds actually “available” to satisfy a judgment. Based on such a reading, a board whose historical policy has lapsed or whose insurance carrier no longer exists could argue it faces no liability at all for that claim. The liability framework for post-1971 claims is thus not settled by this opinion and will likely require either further litigation or drive action by the General Assembly to resolve this issue with more certainty.

You can read the Maryland Supreme Court’s full opinion here.

The 2026 legislative session concluded at midnight on April 13, marking a steady but consequential year for public education. While the State largely maintained its commitment to Blueprint funding, the session brought a wide range of policy changes that will directly affect how school systems operate, govern, and support students. From facilities planning to accountability, student safety, and emerging technology, the General Assembly’s actions this year were less about sweeping change and more about shaping how existing systems function in practice.

Budget Remains Steady for FY27

The General Assembly quickly agreed on a $70.8 billion budget, including $10.1 billion for K–12 education, continuing strong, Blueprint-driven investment.  Lawmakers closed a $1.5 billion budget deficit largely through one-time fund swaps and spending delays.  As budget analysts have long noted, the dedicated Blueprint fund—billions of dollars set aside for Blueprint implementation—will be exhausted next year, and the State appears to be facing a $2.6 billion shortfall for Fiscal Year 2028, setting up stark decisions next year that could involve tax increases or significant cuts, or a mix of both.

Academic and Blueprint Revisions

MABE supported the AIB’s central policy bill this session, SB 311, which made several key adjustments to the Blueprint, including extending compensatory education funding protections through fiscal year 2028.  The State has not yet finalized a long-term methodology for identifying students in poverty, which drives compensatory education funding. That methodology will be critical to shaping future resource distribution.  SB 311 requires the AIB and MSDE to propose a new methodology by the end of 2026.

In addition, MABE supported HB 1582 – the COMPASS Act, which expands MSDE’s flexibility under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to design a statewide accountability system to better differentiate among schools. The bill prohibits using teacher evaluations as a metric, limits the weight of each academic indicator, elevates growth measures, and broadens the options from which MSDE may choose for “school quality and student success” indicators to include factors such as staffing and student progress in a well-rounded curriculum, giving MSDE greater discretion to build a more meaningful system.

Security and Safety

Several school safety bills passed, including HB 326, which codifies a statewide anonymous reporting system with the Maryland Center for School Safety.  The General Assembly also passed legislation addressing adult misconduct, including SB 81, which makes it an explicit crime for School Resource Officers to engage in sexual activity with students, and HB 501, which creates a clear tiered system of penalties for adults in positions of authority engaging in solicitation, sexual assault, and repeat offenses involving children.

MABE worked closely with the bill sponsor and stakeholders on SB 685, passed by the General Assembly, which requires MSDE to develop a model response policy for school-related allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct.  The policy must include guidance on communication, document retention, centralized resources, and after-action review. The bill preserves the integrity of school, agency, and law enforcement investigations, and requires school systems to adopt aligned policies by September 2027.

The General Assembly also passed SB 810, the Maryland Values Act of 2026, a highly debated measure passed amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement, as Maryland lawmakers moved to limit state and local involvement in ICE activity in response to increased federal enforcement.  The bill creates a broader definition of “sensitive locations” that now includes school buses and bus stops.

Bullying reporting requirements were updated through HB 14, passed by the General Assembly.  This bill modifies bullying reporting requirements by adding a new data element to capture any actual or perceived personal characteristic believed to motivate an incident.  It also requires school systems to report summarized, non-identifiable data on substantiated incidents tied to those characteristics when trends show a change in data.  MABE provided testimony that was ultimately adopted to improve this bill.

Facilities / School Construction

MABE collaborated with the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) and school system facility planners to inform several improvements to the IAC’s departmental bill, SB 48. The bill provides school systems with clearer, more practical guidance to plan and deliver construction projects, including clarifying when MSDE approval is required, establishing an appeal process for unfunded projects, and modernizing debt service and facility assessment requirements. The bill was passed by the General Assembly.

Unfortunately, the General Assembly passed HB 1430, which establishes a new per pupil facility fund for charter schools on top of Capital Improvement Plan dollars allowed to the Interagency Commission on School Construction for traditional public schools.  Beginning in 2027, with few limitations, charter schools will receive $200 per pupil each year for facilities over vociferous opposition from MSEA, PSSAM, MABE, and others.

In addition, the General Assembly passed HB 854, which establishes a school construction renovation program for nonpublic special education programs, with the General Assembly signaling intent to fund the program in future capital budgets.

Board Governance

MABE worked closely with Senator King and Delegate Kerr to advance SB 646 (HB 1604), a bill sought by many school systems’ legal counsel to strengthen school systems’ position in vendor contract negotiations. The bill voids certain unconscionable boilerplate terms, including provisions requiring broad indemnification of vendors, mandating binding arbitration or out-of-state litigation, or allowing vendors to unilaterally change contract terms.  It should make negotiations with vendors much simpler for school systems. This bill was passed by the General Assembly.

Civic engagement absences were addressed in HB 575, which requires local school systems, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, to allow excused or discretionary absences for students participating in civic engagement activities. These include meeting with members of a legislative body, testifying before a public body, or participating in the Maryland General Assembly Page Program, which will require many boards to update local attendance policies.

Despite the overwhelming majority of local school boards already having adopted their own policies on personal electronic devices, and over opposition of MABE and others, the General Assembly passed HB 525, the Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, requiring local boards of education to adopt policies by Fall 2027 restricting student use of electronic communication devices during the entire school day. The bill prohibits access to social media and generally requires devices to be stored, with exceptions for disability accommodations, health monitoring, language translation, and caregiving responsibilities. It also limits local discretion by setting parameters for enforcement and discipline, including a prohibition on suspension or expulsion for device use.

Special Student Populations

MABE also provided substantial input along with a consortium of stakeholders to improve SB 645, passed by the General Assembly, to strengthen the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters and support school systems’ ability to provide consistent interpretive services access for deaf and hard of hearing students. The bill delays education licensure to July 2028, allows more flexible preliminary certification to maintain access, adds education and hospital sector representation to the board, and requires data and recommendations on educational interpreting before regulations are finalized.

Technology Bills

Technology and data governance updates that the General Assembly passed include SB 601, which expands statewide cybersecurity requirements by authorizing the Department of Information Technology to establish minimum standards, requiring biennial cybersecurity maturity assessments, and mandating certification of compliance by local school systems beginning in June 2027. While aimed at strengthening system security, the bill introduces new certification obligations that may require additional capacity and coordination at the local level.

The General Assembly also enacted SB 720, the Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act, which directs MSDE to develop guidance and provide professional development on AI literacy and responsible use for students, educators, and families. The bill requires each school system to designate an AI coordinator and establishes a statewide AI Education Collaborative through 2028 to study and recommend best practices.

In addition to these bills and others that passed, several did not advance this session, due in part to advocacy from MABE and its partners. These included bills that would have increased civil rights investigation jurisdiction and established new, unprecedented civil rights of action against school systems, mandates on curriculum, and limited local control over vendor contracting, professional development, and local policymaking, among others.

The 2026 session reflects a continued emphasis on implementation of the Blueprint, of statewide standards, and of new operational expectations for school systems. MABE will continue to work with policymakers, state agencies, and local boards to ensure these changes are implemented in a way that supports strong governance and student outcomes.

For more information on the 2026 legislative session and outcomes of education-focused bills, you can visit our Legislative Tracker and view our 2026 Legislative Summary Deck.

The Board of Directors of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) today announced Joseph (“Joe”) Goetz has been named its new Executive Director. Goetz will begin his role on April 27 with MABE, the active statewide association which represents all 24 public school systems throughout Maryland.

Goetz’s broad past experience in both private-sector management and school board governance, as well as his past presidency of MABE, represent an ideal combination, noted MABE President Diana Hawley, who also serves on the Board of Education of Cecil County. Hawley emphasized the strength of Goetz’s team-building approach and experience in senior leadership roles leading cross-functional teams.

You can read more details on Joe’s broad background in this press release. Welcome, Joe – we see great things ahead!

Prince George’s County Public Schools and its Environmental Office are being honored for the school system’s innovative efforts focused on how deeply student well-being ties to a healthy school environment when it comes to key components like healthy indoor air quality (IAQ).

The school system recently earned 31st Annual Magna Awards Grand Prize standing for its dedicated work on this front, and will be profiled in the April issue of the quarterly American School Board Journal.

According to a related press release, “Recognizing the direct link between a healthy school environment and student well-being, the district prioritizes support of healthy IAQ through its dedicated Environmental Office. The newly developed comprehensive IAQ plan is based on the guidelines set forth by the EPA and the Go Green Initiative training. The plan will help the district meet the goals of creating healthy indoor environments for staff and students.”

Additional details on the school system’s efforts are available here.

Kudos to Prince George’s County Public Schools for an important job well done!

Our most recent issue of The MABE Scoop features news on MABE’s handy new legislative tracker, wrap-up info on this year’s Maryland School Board Recognition Month, upcoming trainings, new staff and more. You can find the current issue here. Thank you to all school board members for your continued work and dedicated efforts!

For their selfless, daily efforts working to champion quality public education in Maryland, enormous thanks from the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) go to local school board members from throughout our state. So many students, their families, and communities appreciate and benefit from your important work. If you’re a school board member, your ongoing work and dedicated efforts mean so much!

In a special message honoring Maryland School Board Recognition Month this January, Maryland Superintendent of Schools Carey Wright, Ed.D. notes local school board members’ efforts “are essential to the continued progress of Maryland Public Schools.” She adds, “Representing your communities, you play a vital role in shaping the future of education across our state. Your work involves balancing diverse perspectives, navigating complex challenges, and making decisions that directly affect students, families, and communities. The time and dedication that you bring to this work make a difference for students across our state.”

You can find Superintendent Wright’s full message here.

Launched by MABE in 2022, our association will be marking Maryland School Board Recognition Month throughout January on our social media pages. Please visit us at Facebook, LinkedIn and X to join the conversation.

Thank you again, local school board members! Your continued, collective work truly is helping make all the difference for so very many potential-filled students and public schools.

Be sure to check out the October issue of The MABE Scoop, featuring downloadable presentations from our variety of Annual Conference speakers this year, as well as news on MABE’s newly sworn-in officials and Board of Directors.

This issue also features Annual Conference photos, and news on the 2025 winner of MABE’s biennial Distinguished School Board Service Award winner.

(Psst . . . MABE members, don’t forget to mark your calendars for MABE Annual Conference 2026, to take place Oct. 19-20 at The Westin Annapolis!)

Congratulations to Cecil County’s Diana Hawley on having recently been named MABE’s new president for the 2025-2026 term. She assumes the MABE presidency following the 2024-2025 term of MABE President Karin M. Bailey, Chair of the St. Mary’s County School Board. Hawley was sworn in on Oct. 20 during MABE’s Annual Conference 2025, held in Annapolis.

President of the Board of Education of Cecil County and a member of the school board since 2018, Diana has a background in early childhood education and early intervention. She has been an active leader and advocate for Cecil County Public Schools for over 15 years.

“At MABE, we’ve seen up close Diana’s rock-solid commitment to Maryland students and public schools,” said MABE Executive Director Milt Nagel. “Her extensive experience in Maryland’s education community means she brings a valuable first-hand perspective to MABE members’ collective work championing excellence in Maryland public education. Despite such challenging times for public education as a whole, we see great things ahead under her collaborative, innovative leadership.”

Also sworn in during MABE’s Annual Conference 2025 were MABE’s newly elected officers and Board of Directors. MABE President-Elect for the coming year is Brenda Wolff (Montgomery County); the association’s new Treasurer is Frederick County’s Karen Yoho; and its new Secretary is Howard County’s Jolene Mosley. In addition to MABE’s officers, the association’s incoming Board of Directors is comprised of 12 board members from 11 Maryland counties and Baltimore City.

Additional details may be found in MABE’s Oct. 22, 2025 press release.

MABE announced today that Pamela Boozer-Strother has earned its biennial “Distinguished School Board Service Award,” presented to a school board member who has made outstanding contributions to public education through school board service in Maryland.

Singled out for her strong advocacy, leadership, and collaboration skills, award nominators emphasized her “unwavering commitment to advancing equity, sustainability, and excellence in public education.”

Boozer-Strother is serving her second four-year elected term with the Prince George’s County Board of Education, which serves nearly 133,000 students. Her policy accomplishments alongside school board colleagues range from the PGCPS Climate Change Action Plan, recognized as a national leader in the K-12 sector, to the complex Educational Facilities Master Plan Updates and Blueprint Schools Public-Private Partnership (“P3 Program”), involving 14 schools and a $2.2B+ budget.

She has been active with MABE since 2018, having served on several of the Annapolis-based association’s committees, including Legislative, Policies & Procedures, and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Ad Hoc Committee.

The award will be presented this October 20th during MABE Annual Conference in Annapolis. More details about MABE’s Distinguished School Board Service Award and Boozer-Strother’s professional background are available here.

Congratulations for this well-earned recognition!