Last month, the Board of Education approved the FY24 CCPS Budget Request which now goes to County Executive Danielle Hornberger who is in the process of developing the county’s proposed FY’24 budget which will then go to the County Council for approval. Now is the time to advocate for fully funding the CCPS budget request. CCPS has been funded at the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) level for two consecutive years (FY'22 & FY‘23), which is the minimally required level allowed by law. This level of funding has a direct and negative impact on our ability to support students.

Continued lack of funding over the past several years, has required numerous position cuts in CCPS, ultimately resulting in increased class sizes. The current CCPS budget proposal that was sent to the County Government includes 64 additional positions that include paraprofessionals and teachers to help reduce class size, which is why we are asking for a $5.7 million increase.

Maryland State Statute 4-205.K(2) requires that ‘The Superintendent shall seek in every way to secure the adequate funds from local authorities for the support and development of the public schools in the County’. I will continue to advocate for our schools and our students to the very best of my ability and I am asking for you to join me in this critical task. If you feel so inclined, I encourage you to reach out to the County Executive and members of County Council by writing a letter, sending an email, or by speaking during the public comment period during County Council meetings. As stated in my last newsletter, there is no more worthy cause than our children.Thank you for your support.

Contact information for County Elected Officials

Ms. Danielle Hornberger, County Executive

dhornberger@ccgov.org

Ms. Jackie Gregory, County Council President (District 5)

jgregory@ccgov.org

Mr. Bob Meffley, County Council Vice President (District 1)

bmeffley@cecilcountymd.gov

Ms. Rebecca Hamilton, County Council Member (District 2)

Rhamilton@cecilcountyMD.Gov

Mr. Al Miller, County Council Member (District 3)

agmiller@ccgov.org

Ms. Donna Culberson, County Council Member (District 4)

dculberson@ccgov.org

Sincerely,

Jeffrey A. Lawson, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

On Friday, March 3, three CCST FFA members competed in the Maryland FFA Region 5 Public Speaking Competition. Students worked hard after school preparing and even had a practice run with CCST Staff volunteers! Their hard work paid off and now they will represent CCST at the State FFA Competition at the University of Maryland in late June! Congratulations on moving forward!

Ellie Zanes - Sr. Prepared Public Speaking--Second Place

• Topic: How to Solve Food Insecurity

Hunter Johnson- Sr. Extemporaneous Speaking--First Place
Patrick Smith - Employment Skills--First Place

Beginning in 2020, several pieces of important education legislation were passed by the Maryland legislature that led to the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. The intent of this legislation is to improve and enhance the quality of public education in Maryland. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is organized into five distinct policy areas (pillars) to which county school systems are required to develop responsive plans:

• Early Childhood Education
• High Quality and Diverse Teachers and Leaders
• College and Career Readiness
• More Resources to Ensure that All Students are Successful
• Governance and Accountability

The Maryland State Department of Education released the Maryland Report Card website this week, containing performance data for every school in the state. The scores are part of the state’s accountability system and reflect a school and county’s performance on multiple components. For elementary schools and middle schools, the system includes academic achievement, academic progress, progress in achieving English Language Proficiency, and School Quality & Student Success. For high schools, the system includes Academic Achievement, Graduation Rate, Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency, Readiness for Post-Secondary Success, and School Quality & Student Success.

View the Maryland Report Card data here: https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/

On Monday, April 3rd from 6:00-7:30 the Drug Free Cecil Youth Coalition will be holding a Prevention Rally at Elkton High School. High school students from across the county will be sharing their work in prevention, the latest PSA's and new billboard designs. Students are also presenting on current trends that are especially relevant to parents and community members. Just a few of the topics they will cover are: human trafficking, the importance of mental health, and how young athletes with sports injuries can develop a substance use disorder. Students will share highlights from the past year's events and efforts, and will share their passion for a healthier Cecil County.

This is a great event for families to attend together as it will offer opportunities for parents to open dialogue with their children about these important issues.

Schools closed for students & 10-month staff

Upcoming Fine Arts Events

All County Elementary Band Concert - March 30, 7PM, Elkton High

All County Middle School Band Concert - April 15, 4PM, Elkton High

All County High School Band Concert - May 13, 4PM, Elkton High

May 1 - 30 - Spring Art Show at the North East Public Library

May 13 - Spring Art Show Open House - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., North East Library

North East High School

Opportunities to win baskets donated by each department of NEHS including the Vera Bradley Basket or the Crab Basket, to name a few!

$5 per card or 3 for $10

If interested in providing donations, contact Patrick Bryant at pabryant@ccps.org.

PBIS Event

SIGN-UP HERE

● Refreshments will be provided along with awards for overall male and female, and top three finishers in each age group.

● The course has been professionally measured, and the event is being timed and scored by Blue Cheetah Sports Timing, LLC.

● T-shirt, bib pickup, & day-of registration activities will occur from 7:30-8:45 a.m. on Saturday, March 25 in the Rising Sun Middle School front lobby area.

● This event will take place rain or shine. No refunds will be offered for any reason.