MSDE presents Phase 1 of strategic plan tied to Blueprint for Maryland’s Future

The Maryland State Board of Education and the Maryland State Department of Education on a state Business Roundtable presented Phase 1 of a new strategic plan tied to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and asked business stakeholders for feedback.

"We have been engaging stakeholders from across the state in a variety of different ways," Dr. Sylvia Lawson, deputy superintendent for organizational effectiveness, said during the presentation. Lawson said the department conducted listening sessions, roundtables and a statewide survey to inform Phase 1.

The presentation framed Phase 1 around a revised mission, vision and values and four enablers that will support the department’s priorities. Lawson summarized the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future — the legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2021 — and said it will provide $3,400,000,000 over 10 years to Maryland school systems. She identified five pillars anchored in the Blueprint: early childhood, teacher quality and diversity (including a stated goal to raise starting teacher pay to $60,000 where applicable), college and career readiness, additional resources for high‑poverty students (including special education and English‑learner supports), and governance and accountability.

Lawson said Phase 2, scheduled for release at the State Board meeting on Feb. 28, will specify the indicators MSDE will use to measure progress; Phase 3, expected in June, will identify flagship strategies and programs to implement those priorities. "Phase 2 will let us know what indicators we believe will be needed in order for students to be successful," she said.

Lawson reported engagement metrics for Phase 1: more than 27,000 survey responses, participation by over 5,000 stakeholders across events, 20 roundtables, about 307 participants in data walks and more than 30 hours of dialogue. She urged attendees to review web materials — a strategic planning guidebook and an engagement report — and to continue submitting feedback through the department’s survey and Slido link.

Clarence Crawford, president of the State Board, told participants the board is working closely with the Accountability and Implementation Board so the two entities do not duplicate effort: "They’re far more focused on the accountability piece," Crawford said, while the State Board and department focus on operations and policy.

The presentation closed with an invitation to business leaders and other stakeholders to keep engaging as MSDE defines specific measures and implementation supports in later phases.

Next steps: Phase 2 indicators are to be presented at the Feb. 28 State Board meeting; Phase 3 and flagship strategies are expected in June. MSDE asked attendees to complete the strategic planning survey and to monitor the department website for materials and updates.