On March 6, 2020, the House passed the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, HB 1300, by a vote of 96-41. The bill is based on the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission, which worked for three years to shape the proposal.
The plan’s key policies include: expanding early childhood education for 3- and 4-year-olds, promoting college and career readiness, closing the achievement gap, expanding career opportunities for teachers, and providing accountability measures requiring improvements by individual schools.
Many of the Kirwan Commission’s recommendations have begun taking effect already including new career and technical education programs, early childhood education expansion, and establishment of community schools in high poverty areas. A funding phase-in would be over a 10-year period and will cost the state $2.9 billion and counties $1.1 billion by FY 2030. This is about establishing a world-class education system for all Maryland children including those with special needs, English language learners, and students living in poverty. The bill now goes to the Senate — let’s keep advocating for Senate support that preserves the House reforms!
The text of the final House bill is not yet available, but you can click here to see the most recent version.