Parents, educators and students press State Board on Chromebooks, special‑education identification, Blueprint funding and student voice

At the start of the State Board meeting, several members of the public addressed the board with concerns and recommendations on a range of topics.

Jack McCone (SEG 121–185) described classroom observations in which Chromebooks supplanted teacher-led instruction, alleged widespread off-task device use and poor classroom behavior, and urged the board to reduce reliance on devices and restore stronger classroom authority. MSDE and board members did not respond during public comment but took the remarks under advisement.

Cheryl Bose (SEG 195–253), president of the Maryland State Education Association, welcomed new board member Dr. Michael, praised passage of the Educator Shortage Reduction Act and urged local leaders to use Blueprint funds to help paraprofessionals reach new credentials required by the Blueprint (CDA/AA by 2027–28) and to continue supports for education support professionals (ESP) receiving legislative bonuses.

Sharon Sero (SEG 264–307) cautioned that a study on 'over‑identification' of students with special needs could be misused to deny services; she recounted local processes she views as preventing students from getting needed services and asked for clearer accountability and remedies at the state level.

Marcia Herbert (SEG 315–357), president of the Carroll County Board of Education, asked for flexibility and more time to implement Blueprint requirements without penalty, saying Carroll County has cut positions and needs local flexibility in spending the blueprint allocation. Separately, Justin/department staff later summarized a formal superintendent request and the board approved a waiver of one instructional day for Carroll County by unanimous voice vote (SEG 3350+).

Katie Ridgeway (SEG 368–431), Hartford County blueprint coordinator, said the county executive's FY24 proposed budget provides $19,000,000 less local funding to HCPS and warned that local underfunding will create inequities; she urged state officials to consider Hartford’s experience in future support and advocacy.

Olivia Travis (SEG 441–493), a student‑voice advocate and master's candidate at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, urged the board to center student voices in health‑education frameworks (SB199/HB119), including menstrual‑hygiene education, and highlighted the student member role on the State Board.

President Crawford closed public comment and reminded speakers that board members do not respond during the public‑comment period but will take comments under advisement.