Moving teachers and staff from one Carroll County school to another to better serve economically disadvantaged schools will most likely occur during the 2025-2026 school year, Superintendent Cynthia McCabe told community members Monday night during a town hall meeting at the Carroll County Career and Technology Center.
McCabe anticipates the changes as part of the state-mandated Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education reform initiatives. Maryland is one year into the Blueprint’s 10-year rollout, and McCabe said many aspects of the law’s implementation remain uncertain.
“We don’t have to make these changes for next school year, like we thought we’re going to,” McCabe said. “We’re going to have this summer and next year to think through how we’re going to move those resources around, so that we are getting into compliance with Blueprint. What that is going to mean is we will be moving resources around, and since most of our money is spent on staff, that means we will be moving staff around. And I can guarantee you that we’re going to do it in the most sensitive way that we can. I’m going to let people know as quickly as we can, so that people can plan for what that might look like.”
The Blueprint is designed to reform Maryland’s early childhood, elementary and secondary schools so every student – regardless of geography, household income, race, ethnicity, gender, language spoken at home, or special needs – will graduate ready to enter the workforce or higher education. Policies are divided into five pillars: early childhood education, high-quality and diverse teachers and leaders, college and career readiness, more resources for students to be successful, and governance and accountability.
McCabe delivered a 30-minute presentation Monday and answered audience questions about how Carroll County is implementing each of Blueprint’s pillars, including an example of how the new funding formula will likely cause the system to shift staff. She said she presented the same information at a town hall on Feb. 26 at South Carroll High School in Sykesville.
“More resources for all students — this is where the rubber meets the road,” McCabe said, “and we have some fiscal compliance concerns with the way that the Blueprint is funded.”
Although the Blueprint increases state education funding, it also restricts how funds must be allocated, in an attempt to better achieve equity for all students. McCabe said this puts Carroll’s school system in a poor position because the district operates under an especially lean budget, with no superfluous funding to reallocate in support of Blueprint initiatives.
“Our issue is, because of how lean of a system we are, we don’t have excess,” McCabe said. “[We don’t have] anything to take from anywhere and give enough to a school that’s got lots of kids that fall into these different groups. So then, this is where we start talking about perhaps taking some resources from some schools to give to other schools.”
McCabe said Carroll County Public Schools ranks 24th out of Maryland’s 24 school districts in the number of non-instructional staff, which includes employees in payroll, finance, human resources, student services, operations, curriculum and instruction, supervisors, coordinators, and other staff who would work in the system’s central office.
The Blueprint prescribes that the district provide expanded pre-kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income households, support for English learners, and shift resources to better serve students who receive free or reduced-price meals. It is estimated that the Blueprint will require Carroll County to spend $38.9 million on compensatory education students, which includes those who receive free or reduced-price meals, $2.3 million to support English learners, and $1.3 million to expand pre-kindergarten, McCabe told attendees.
“I think the ideas behind Blueprint are great,” McCabe said. “I think that teaching needs to be a career that more people want to go into, and it needs to be not just a rewarding career, but a career that can support a family. And I also think that Blueprint does a wonderful job of providing resources for students who may need more resources, but the challenge, or the struggle, is that we’ve only got one pot of money here, one pot of funding, and we’ve got to make that all happen within that one pot. So that’s where it can get a little complicated.”
McCabe said at a town hall meeting last year that northwestern county schools such as Taneytown Elementary, Robert Moton Elementary, Winters Mill High and Francis Scott Key High would gain the most staff, while schools in the county’s southeast – Freedom Elementary, Oklahoma Road Middle, Liberty High and Century High – would stand to lose the most staff and see the greatest increases in class sizes.
Amy Hardesty, of Eldersburg, a parent of a Linton Springs Elementary student, said she is glad to hear the system has more time to implement some of the Blueprint’s most transformative measures, but hopes the Maryland legislature will ease the law’s requirements before it is time to implement a massive shift in resources.
“I am one of the school areas that is going to be most impacted by losing teachers,” Hardesty said, “and I am very scared for my child’s safety. It’s not the best in schools right now, with the resources that we have, and I feel that the safety factor is going to be the biggest factor for me.”
Jennifer Belt, of Westminster, a parent of a Runnymede Elementary student, said her biggest concern is the degree of uncertainty Blueprint invites.
“My takeaway is anxiety,” Belt said. “I’m a little nervous about what this means for the schools that funds will be taken away from, but I am also excited to see how this could do good for the schools that will be getting more funding. I think right now, it’s just really a game of wait-and-see. We don’t know how this is really going to impact things.”
McCabe said she initially expected last year’s town hall meetings to be the only town halls she would hold in some time, but decided to do more this year, based on the volume of Blueprint-related inquiries from community members.
“If folks are interested in more town halls, then we’ll certainly do more next year,” McCabe said.
Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe discusses Blueprint Fiscal Compliance. McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe discusses Blueprint Fiscal Compliance. McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Frank Grossman, PhD., CCPS AIB Stragic Facilitator is introduced at the town hall. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe discusses Blueprint Implementation updates. McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe discusses Blueprint's Pillar I, Early Childhood. McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe discusses Blueprint's Pillar III, College and Career Ready. McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe discusses Blueprint's Per Pupil Funding. McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
A parent asks a question about funding for the mandated Blueprint implementation. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
An attendee asks a question regarding how the four Pillars with respect to special education students. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Nickolas Shockney, Assistant Superintedent of Instruction, answers a question regarding how student grades are teid to funding. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
A question is asked about any other state consessions besides FY25 compliance that the state may have offered. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Special Education Paraprofessional, BEST Program, makes a statement regarding Blueprint not addressing any funding for education support staff. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
A question is asked how Blueprint affects Title 1. Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA) provides financial assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging academic standards. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Nickolas Shockney, Assistant Superintedent of Instruction, answers a question regarding Title 1. Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA) provides financial assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging academic standards. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
An Attendee asks a question regarding increased student behavioral issues in the public schools. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
An attendee asks how Blueprint implementation affects the current "out of district placement" policy. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Jonathan O'Neal, CCPS Assistant Superintendent of Operations, answers a question regarding "out of district placement" policy. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
An attendee asks if fluctuation school population durimng the academic year affects funding for that school. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
A parent and health professional, asks a question regarding the ccsp and health professional programs.Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Karl Streaker, CCPS Director of Student Services, answers a question regarding educational partnerships. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
An attendee asks a question regarding educational support from community resources. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
An attendee asks abpout the relationship between high and low performing schools associated with the distribution of funding. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Jonathan O'Neal, CCPS Assistant Superintendent of Operations, discusses the association between school performance and funding. Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Cynthia McCabe hosted a town hall at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, to inform the community about upcoming changes related to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)
Приключения в Дагестане: Comedy Radio рекомендует «Атель-Матель»
Только смелым покоряются моря
Благотворительная акция ко Всемирному Дню офтальмологии от детских глазных клиник «Ясный Взор»
Ускоряя эволюцию автомобильного интеллекта: Группа Geely и StepFun представляют совместную экспозицию на Всемирной конференции по искусственному интеллекту 2025 года
Благотворительная акция ко Всемирному Дню офтальмологии от детских глазных клиник «Ясный Взор»
Только смелым покоряются моря
Приключения в Дагестане: Comedy Radio рекомендует «Атель-Матель»
Ускоряя эволюцию автомобильного интеллекта: Группа Geely и StepFun представляют совместную экспозицию на Всемирной конференции по искусственному интеллекту 2025 года
Сотрудники ОМОН Росгвардии помогли пострадавшему в ДТП на МКАД
Фестиваль автотюнинга «Tuning Open Fest 2025» отметил свое 10-летие
Ускоряя эволюцию автомобильного интеллекта: Группа Geely и StepFun представляют совместную экспозицию на Всемирной конференции по искусственному интеллекту 2025 года
В Москве самым продаваемым автомобилем стал кроссовер Geely Monjaro
