MSDE: pre-K sliding-scale implementation delayed to FY2026 under state budget action

MSDE told the Education Transformation and Accountability Committee that implementation of a pre-K sliding scale — a family share policy the committee and State Board had approved that would limit family share to under 7% of a family’s gross income — has been delayed by action taken this legislative session.

A presenter from MSDE said the General Assembly, through the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (BRFAA), delayed implementation and funding for tier 2 families to fiscal year 2026. The committee chair confirmed "that means we won't be implementing it for next school year" and said the update will also be shared with the Accountability Implementation Board and at the Maryland State Board of Education meeting on April 30.

MSDE did not provide new dollar amounts or an exact implementation schedule beyond the FY2026 delay during the committee update; staff said the item would be revisited in the coming year.