Commission urges DORS outreach to legislature and exploration of Blueprint funds for career readiness

The commission added two recommendations related to funding and legislative engagement.

First, members approved language asking DORS to conduct outreach to the legislature so elected officials better understand DORS's role within MSDE and how legislative actions could affect the agency’s work. That recommendation passed by show of hands (7 yes, 4 no, 4 abstentions) after commissioners discussed the legislature’s central role in Blueprint funding decisions.

Second, the commission voted 10–2 (with 2 abstentions) to recommend that MSDE and DORS "explore whether any of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future funds can be used by DORS for Pillar 3: college and career readiness." Commissioners who supported the motion said Blueprint's Pillar 3 explicitly addresses college and career readiness and is closely aligned with DORS's mission to prepare students with disabilities for employment and post‑secondary pathways; opponents and staff noted that Blueprint allocations are determined by statute and legislative policy, so any change would require legislative action.

During debate, State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhary stressed that most Blueprint funds are allocated to local school systems under current law and that DORS historically has not been a direct recipient; commissioners nonetheless argued that further exploration and coordination between DORS, MSDE and the legislature is appropriate as part of the commission’s recommendations.

Outcome: Both recommendations — legislative outreach by DORS and a departmental exploration of Blueprint funding potential — were adopted for inclusion in the final commission report.