Caroline County approves two‑year MOU with Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board

The Caroline County commissioners on April 14 voted unanimously to approve a two‑year memorandum of understanding and resource‑sharing agreement with the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board, a required framework under the governor’s workforce development board policy.

Ellen Lafranchi, executive director of the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board, said the MOU and the resource‑sharing agreement define how the county’s workforce partners — including state agencies, the department of social services and Chesapeake College — coordinate services and share in‑kind and financial contributions. “This work is essential not only to individual job seekers, but also to the overall economic health and stability of our communities,” Lafranchi said.

Commissioners asked whether the county would be asked for funds. Lafranchi said the board was not requesting county dollars and asked only for the commissioners’ concurrence to accept the services and the agreement. After a short exchange the commission moved, seconded, and approved the MOU by voice vote; staff will obtain an executed copy for county records.

The agreement is scheduled to run for two years and is intended to allow residents access to workforce training funds, industry credentials and employment services through the regional workforce system.