Bill > SB429

This bill, titled the "Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act", proposes several significant changes to education funding and programming in Maryland. The bill makes adjustments to the target per pupil foundation amounts for different fiscal years, modifying the amounts for several categories including special education, compensatory education, and English learner funding. It introduces a new Academic Excellence Program to provide coaching and professional development support for educators, particularly in schools with low proficiency rates. The bill establishes a Collaborative Time Innovation Demonstration Grant to support innovative teacher collaboration models and creates a new Academic Excellence Fund to support these initiatives. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that could pause or limit education funding increases if state revenue estimates or federal funding drops significantly. The legislation also includes provisions for a new Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to facilitate teacher licensure across states, a Teacher Relocation Incentive Grant to attract out-of-state teachers, and a Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program to support local school system employees pursuing teaching careers. The bill aims to improve teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development while maintaining fiscal responsibility in education funding.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0429?ys=2025RS