State board approves temporary cap on paid dual‑enrollment courses to help districts manage budget shortfalls

The State Board of Education approved a joint implementation policy with the Maryland Higher Education Commission (AIB) and MSDE to limit the number of dual‑enrollment courses local education agencies are obligated to cover, citing urgent budget pressures affecting community‑college partnerships.

MSDE officials said districts notified the department of an approximately $8 million shortfall for dual-enrollment tuition this school year tied to a change in CCR standards and timing in the budget cycle. To reduce unplanned fiscal exposure, the new policy requires LEAs to cover tuition and fees for a minimum of two dual‑enrollment courses per semester — up to four per year — for students who meet Maryland’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) standard. LEAs may choose to cover additional courses at their discretion. The policy is slated to remain in effect for FY25 and FY26 and will be reviewed in fall 2025.

MSDE stressed the policy does not block students who have not met the CCR standard from access to post‑CCR pathways; those students retain access to developmental co‑requisite dual‑enrollment courses, introductory CTE courses, and other preparatory options. Board members asked for clearer guidance on course types (general education vs. CTE) and mechanics like drop/refund windows; MSDE and AIB said additional superintendent guidance and community‑college coordination will follow.

The policy was adopted after board discussion and a minor wording change to reference MSDE (not the board) in one background sentence. The motion passed by voice vote.