April 16, 2024 Staff and Community Update: Highlights from the Superintendent’s Press Conference
WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE
Dr. Myriam Rogers held a media availability today, April 16, to share updates and information on the Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget, recently released state data on the BCPS graduation rate, the 2024 Summer Food Service Program, safety and security, and upcoming events. Dr. Rogers also answered questions from the media.
Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget
- On April 11, County Executive Olszewski released his Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget proposal to the County Council. His proposal includes nearly $2.6 billion for Baltimore County Public Schools.
- The County Executive’s proposal, which fully funds the budget request that was submitted by the Board of Education in February, provides $41 million above state required Maintenance of Effort (MOE).
- We are grateful for the County Executive’s support and unwavering commitment to Team BCPS. His record investments in our school system will help us prioritize resources in areas of greatest need and fast track our critical work to build a high-performing school system.
- The County Executive’s budget request includes funding above and beyond the BCPS base budget request to help us fast forward our efforts to improve student achievement. Those items include:
- Raising the starting salary for educators to $60,000 — fulfilling the county’s obligation to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future — two years ahead of schedule.
- Funding for additional bus drivers and teachers to respond to anticipated growth in Kindergarten and multilingual learner populations.
- $250,000 in additional funding to expand high school student access to college courses at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) for students who are not yet college and career ready. We are also pleased to share that in addition to the County Executive’s investment, CCBC is providing $1 million in grant funding to bolster our efforts to prepare nonCCR students for college readiness.
Graduation Rate
- The four-year cohort graduation rate for Baltimore County Public Schools students rose to 84.9 percent. While the overall graduation rate for students across the state went down, BCPS’ rate rose by nearly half a percentage point from the previous year.
- Our data is trending in the right direction, and we are especially pleased with the progress that we are seeing with both improved graduation rates and decreasing dropout rates at several of our high schools. Fourteen high schools (Chesapeake, Eastern, Franklin, Hereford, Loch Raven, Milford Mill, New Town, Owings Mills, Patapsco, Randallstown, Sparrows Point, Towson High, Western School of Technology, and Woodlawn) saw an increase in their graduation rate and seven high schools (Eastern Technical, Franklin, Hereford, Loch Raven, Owings Mills, Sparrows Point, and Towson) saw a decrease in their dropout rate.
- Dr. Rogers recognized principal Mike Jones and the Randallstown High School community. The biggest gain in graduation rate was at Randallstown High School, for the second year in a row. The graduation rate increased by 6.1 percentage points from last year to 94.2 percent. Last year, they had a 10-point increase.
Safety and Security
- With roughly 8 weeks left in the school year, Dr. Rogers shared some important safety reminders for students and families to make certain that we work together to end the year strong.
- Positive and secure school climates have a tremendous impact on student well-being and learning. School administrators continue to respond swiftly when students engage in disruptive and dangerous behaviors on school property. We will continue to use all legally available tools and resources to protect students and hold accountable those who break the rules.
- The Student Handbook includes an overview of the rights and responsibilities of BCPS students and a summary of the laws and regulations that affect students.
- Parents and guardians were reminded of the importance of setting positive examples at home and in the community and Dr. Rogers called on parents and guardians to limit and monitor student social media and cellphone use, friend groups, possessions, and needs.
- Join with the local school community to provide a positive presence and share safety concerns directly with school leaders to ensure they are addressed quickly.
Summer Food Service Program
- This summer, the BCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services will once again offer free breakfasts and lunches to Baltimore County children through the Summer Food Service Program.
- BCPS is seeking athletic programs, academic groups, music groups, church programs, summer camps, and more interested in registering as Summer Food Service Program sites. There is no cost for participation.
- The program serves free meals from June 20 - August 16 to children from 2-18 years of age. We encourage groups and organizations to register now to request meals for their programs.
Growing Ready Employees Through Applied Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program
- Dr. Rogers shared information about the Growing Ready Employees Through Applied Training (GREAT) pilot program, a work-based learning initiative that targets BCPS students ages 18-21, receiving special education services.
- The program prepares students who have completed all of their graduation requirements for a diploma or certificate of completion to be ready for competitive employment in BCPS high-vacancy job areas.
- Using a phased roll-out, the GREAT pilot launched in January 2024 with three students. We now have 15 students participating in the program. Seven students are in training for potential employment within the Building Services position and four students are training for Food Service positions. If hired, these are full-pay positions with benefits.
- As the pilot ends this school year, BCPS is actively seeking ways to continue and expand the program, including aligning other aspects of special education services. The GREAT program is just one more way BCPS is demonstrating its commitment to fully implement the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and in particular, Pillar III’s focus on Career and College Readiness.
Curriculum Nights and Community Conversations
- On Thursday, April 18 at 4 p.m., we will announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Teacher, Principal and Assistant Principal of Year awards at our Champions for Children celebration.
- In addition to these schoolhouse champions for BCPS students, the April 18 event will also celebrate a variety of other leaders, including a “Rising Star” Teacher of the Year, Supervisory Leader of the Year, Supporting Services Employee of the Year, Community School Facilitator of the Year, Transportation Champion, AFSCME Employee of the Year, Volunteer Champion, and Business Partner Champion.
- Save the date! On April 30, BCPS will host a Curriculum Night at Dulaney High School.
- Curriculum Nights are a great way for families to learn more about BCPS curriculum and our efforts to improve instruction in English language arts, mathematics, early childhood education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and special education. We will also discuss what families can expect to see their children learning and provide tips and resources on how to support students at home. Families will have an opportunity to view curricular and instructional materials and ask questions.