Washington Informer
Md. Senate OKs ‘Lofty’ Education Plan
WASHINGTON INFORMER — he Maryland Senate voted Wednesday to implement a multimillion-dollar education plan to revamp the state’s public schools, including an expansion of early childhood, school-based health centers and special education programs. The two-year plan, known as the “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future,” would also boost teacher salaries — by 1.5 percent from the state if counties and Baltimore City provide 3 percent.
By William J. Ford
ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Senate voted Wednesday to implement a multimillion-dollar education plan to revamp the state’s public schools, including an expansion of early childhood, school-based health centers and special education programs.
The two-year plan, known as the “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future,” would also boost teacher salaries — by 1.5 percent from the state if counties and Baltimore City provide 3 percent.
“This bill as it stands before us is well-crafted, it’s well-put-together,” said Sen. Andrew Serafini (R-Washington County). “A lot of people put a lot of work into this and the funding is there. It is a responsible bill and moves us in a good direction.”
The 43-1 vote sets up the state to allocate $725 million through 2022 with an additional $130 million if the Senate can pass legislation next year on how to pay for additional programming.
The bill now heads to the House of Delegates with the 90-day session ending at midnight Monday.
The education package comes after two years of work by the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, also known as the Kirwan Commission, led by William “Brit” Kirwan, former chancellor of the University of Maryland System.
After the vote, Kirwan was applauded by senators as he sat upstairs and clapped in the Senate gallery.
The legislature already approved an additional $255 million in the budget toward the commission’s recommendations.
Education advocates and lawmakers have said schools are adequately underfunded by $2.9 billion annually.
However, Sen. Chris West (R-Baltimore County) voted against the measure because he feared it would take away money from school construction legislation approved in the House of Delegates.
“It is just unacceptable that in the future we will have well-trained, well-paid teachers in Baltimore County standing in classrooms which are egregiously overcrowded and un-air-conditioned” he said. “We need to achieve a balance … and I hope next year we can be more successful finding money not only for Kirwan, but for essential school construction.”
According to the legislation’s blueprint, items school systems would receive include:
• Expanded early childhood education for 3-year and 4-year-old children.
• A college and career readiness standard by the end of 10th grade.
• Wraparound services for some students such as additional counselors, vision and dental needs.
• A professional development program for teachers on “racial awareness, cultural competency, religious tolerance and restorative practices.”
An additional measure on accountability, coming from Gov. Larry Hogan, would install an inspector general of education to assess waste, fraud and abuse of public money and property. The person would also investigate nonpublic schools that receive state funding.
The inspector general would serve a five-year term after a majority vote of the governor, attorney general and state treasurer, followed by Senate confirmation.
As for determining how much the state and local governments would pay in the future, the Kirwan Commission will continue to work on that with a possible recommendation later this year.
“The fact is, these lofty goals are achievable in Maryland,” said Sen. Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City). “The message today is ‘that this is just a first step.’ Over the next nine months, we must have a very real and challenging and hard conversation about whether or not we have the political will to put this vision into action. I believe we do.”
This article originally appeared in the Washington Informer.
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The Election Isn’t Over Yet! Vote for Best of The DMV 2026
The polls are still open for Best of The DMV 2026! Cast your vote for your favorite local businesses and community leaders before the deadline on November 8.
The election isn’t over yet, DMV!
There’s still one more vote to cast this year!
From your favorite restaurants and neighborhood businesses to local artists and community leaders, it’s time to recognize the best of D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Best of The DMV 2026 voting closes Sunday, November 8!
Make your voice heard and vote for your favorites!
Vote now: https://www.washingtoninformer.com/best-of-the-dmv/
#BestOfTheDMV #BestOfTheDMV2026 #WashingtonInformer #DMVCommunity #WashingtonDC #Maryland #Virginia
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Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Staying Safe in a Digital World | Let’s Talk on WIN-TV
In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, learn how to protect your digital life and discover career paths in tech with BDPA-DC’s Perry Carter.
How can individuals, families, and businesses protect themselves from growing cyber threats?
In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes sits down with Perry Carter, President of BDPA-DC, to discuss online safety, protecting personal information, and navigating today’s digital world.
From recognizing scams to understanding cybersecurity education and career opportunities, Carter shares insights on why digital security matters to everyone.
The conversation also highlights BDPA-DC’s commitment to technology education, professional development, and opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Watch, learn, and share! Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
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Host: Denise Rolark Barnes
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Founded in 1964 by Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, The Washington Informer is an African American, woman-owned newspaper providing positive coverage of the Black community in Washington, D.C. In March 2020, we launched WIN-TV to further amplify community voices and issues.
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Best of The DMV x Clearing the Air Meet and Greet | The Washington Informer
The Washington Informer and GWBCC hosted a night celebrating DMV leaders and vital environmental solutions. Catch the highlights from this impactful community event.
On October 5, 2026, The Washington Informer and the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC) hosted the Best of The DMV x Clearing the Air Meet and Greet at The Guest House in Washington, D.C.
The evening introduced guests to two Washington Informer initiatives. Best of The DMV celebrates the businesses, leaders and creatives shaping our region, as chosen by readers. Clearing the Air is our solutions journalism series on environmental health in the DMV, covering air quality, data centers and the responses making a difference across D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to GWBCC for partnering with us.
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Darren Riley of JustAir Solutions on the Need for Hyper-Local Data in Detroit’s Fight for Clean Air
Darren Riley of JustAir Solutions joins Mya Trujillo to discuss how hyper-local data is essential for tackling air pollution in Detroit and beyond.
Washington Informer reporter Mya Trujillo speaks witn the Detroit-based entrepreneur about what local leaders, experts and residents need to do to combat air pollution, and how the struggles faced by communities in the midwestern city mirror those experienced by residents in the Washington metropolitan area.
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Wala Blegay on the Future of Energy Grid Stability and Data Center Concerns
Council Member Wala Blegay discusses the future of energy infrastructure, data center moratoriums, and balancing grid stability with regional growth.
Washington Informer reporter Mya Trujillo has a conversation with Prince George’s County Council Member-at-Large Wala Blegay about the Qualified Data Center Task Force’s work, the importance of data center moratoriums and what the future of energy infrastructure should look like.
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Retrospectro Talks Viral Videos, Lean Squad, Music & More | Interview
Viral icon Niles Stewart breaks down his journey from LeanSquad meme fame to his latest transition into music. Discover how he shaped DMV media history.
Niles Stewart has been a notable figure in the DMV’s evolving media and internet culture scene for over a decade, creating viral videos with his friend group LeanSquad, while becoming a longtime recognizable meme across the internet.
In this interview, he reflects on the viral moments that helped shape his career, his impact on DMV media and culture, and his transition into music as he continues to build his creative career.
Video Producer: Demarco Rush
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