The Maryland State Board of Education (State Board) was organized in Maryland in 1864 and is the head of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The State Board has general control and supervision over public schools and the educational policy and interests of the State.
Membership
The State Board consists of 13 regular members, and 1 student member, all appointed by the Governor. Regular members serve staggered four-year terms and the student member serves a one-year term. The initial teacher member will serve until the end of June 30, 2022, or until a successor is appointed and qualifies; and the initial parent will serve until the end of June 30, 2023, or until a successor is appointed and qualifies. All members are eligible to be reappointed to a second full term but may not serve for more than two full terms.
Under its authority, the State Board sets the educational policy and standards for pre-kindergarten through high school and for Maryland's juvenile services education and vocational rehabilitation services, passes regulations that have the force of law, and is empowered to interpret the true meaning and intent of the law. The State Board also reviews and approves three annual budgets (the Department of Education headquarters budget, the state aid to local education budget, and state-aided institutions budget) before they are passed on to the governor's office for approval or revision and then to the General Assembly for final action. Through an appeal process, the State Board also reviews and makes decisions on controversies and disputes that arise from each of Maryland’s 24 school systems.
View the State Board Governance And Operations Manual
The State Board also appoints the State Superintendent of Schools (State Superintendent), who serves a four-year term. The State Superintendent is responsible for the administration of the MSDE and carries out the educational policies of the State Board. The State Superintendent is the Chief Executive and also serves as Secretary and Treasurer of the State Board.
Priorities
The Maryland State Superintendent of Schools and State Board of Education identified year 1 and 2 priorities for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school year.
Vision
Ensure all students have access to a world class educational system that prepares them to graduate ready for post-secondary learning, rewarding work, and success in society and life.
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Mission
Provide leadership, set policy, and advocate for continuous improvement of Maryland’s educational system to achieve the following:
| Assist every student to realize his or her potential
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| Ensure educator and administrative effectiveness
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Promote a safe, healthy, and orderly environment for learning and teaching
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| Develop and support a strong accountability system to increase academic success for all students
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| Promote students’ physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being
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| Expand high-quality educational opportunities for students and parents
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| Increase communication and partnerships with stakeholder’s statewide
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Work with districts to strengthen infrastructure
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Maryland State Board of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Office: (410) 767-0467
Fax: (410) 333-2226
TTY/TDD: (410) 333-6442