April Advocacy Update and Call-to-Action

​Big news in Annapolis! On March 31, the Maryland Senate voted on SB 429, including amendments that introduce conditions for local school districts to apply for a waiver from the Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB).

Because the House of Delegates and Senate versions of the bill differ, a conference committee will now work to reconcile them before the General Assembly session ends on April 7. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to advocate for CCPS! More on that here: https://marylandmatters.org/2025/03/31/blueprint-bill-receives-preliminary-approval-in-the-senate/.

Click here to review the PowerPoint presentation from Dr. McCabe's April 2nd Community Town Hall Presentation: 
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1743696230/carrollk12org/lzkupiudhnuty2ednpkc/SuperintendentsBlueprintTownHall-Employee04022025Rev.pdf

Take Action to Support Our Schools! 

1) Contact Carroll County Commissioners
Now is the time to make your voice heard! Call or email the County Commissioners to urge them to fully fund CCPS' operating budget request, which includes Outdoor School, bargaining agreements, and instructional technology.

Key Points to Share:

• Your name and relationship to CCPS (parent, former student, employee, community member, etc.).
• Thank Commissioners Gordon, Kiler, and Rothstein for committing to the $13M allocation.
• Encourage Commissioners Guerin and Vigliotti to fully support this funding, emphasizing how strong schools benefit our entire community.
• Express your support for local investment in education, reminding them that CCPS is nearing a funding crisis.
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Make your voice even louder! Attend the public budget hearing on May 6 at the Carroll Arts Center and speak up for our students.
 
2) Advocate for Blueprint Flexibility – Action Needed by April 17
Email the Maryland Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) to support CCPS’ waiver request for flexibility in meeting Blueprint funding requirements. Your personal stories matter! Share how financial flexibility will protect the quality of public education in Carroll County and help prevent drastic cuts that could negatively impact students, teachers, and families.

Rachel Hise, Executive Director
[email protected]

Isiah (Ike) Leggett, Chair
[email protected]

Rachel Amstutz, Policy Directory
[email protected]

William (Brit) Kirwan, Vice Chair
[email protected]

Mara Doss, Member
[email protected]

Jennifer Lynch, Member
jennifer.lynch@maryland.gov

Joseph (Joe) Manko, Member
joseph.manko@maryland.gov

Justin Robinson, Member
justin.robinson@maryland.gov

Laura Stapleton, Member
laura.stapleton2@maryland.gov

Our Work is Not Done!
This is a multi-year process, and while we’ve seen progress, we must stay engaged and continue advocating for CCPS. Our collective voices are making a difference—let’s keep the momentum going!