Montgomery County supports House Bill 12 62 for equitable AP exam access

The Ways and Means Committee of the Maryland General Assembly convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals, including House Bill 1262, which focuses on enhancing access to post-college and career readiness pathways for students.

The session began with a presentation on House Bill 1262, which aims to address the financial barriers faced by low-income students in accessing advanced placement (AP) and international baccalaureate (IB) courses. The bill proposes that students from families earning below 400% of the federal poverty level receive these educational opportunities at no cost. This initiative is part of the broader college and career readiness framework established by the Maryland Blueprint for Education.

Delegate Welcome, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the importance of ensuring that school districts are not burdened with costs for students who can afford to pay for these programs. The proposed legislation allows jurisdictions to set income eligibility guidelines, thereby enabling a more equitable distribution of resources. This approach aims to alleviate financial pressures on school budgets while maintaining access for those in need.

Julie Yang, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education, voiced strong support for the bill, highlighting ongoing budget challenges faced by schools. She noted that the current law requires schools to cover the full costs of AP and IB programs, regardless of a family's financial situation. Yang pointed out that in fiscal year 2024, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) spent over $4.4 million on exam fees, which range from $89 to $137 per exam. The proposed bill would allow for a more strategic allocation of funds, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

Nikki Hazel, associate superintendent of curriculum and instructional programs at MCPS, echoed these sentiments, stating that the bill would help eliminate financial barriers that prevent students from engaging in rigorous coursework. She advocated for a tiered approach to financial assistance, which has been successfully implemented in other programs within the school system.

Yvonne Alfonso Windsor, chief financial officer for MCPS, also expressed support for House Bill 1262, emphasizing its potential to create an equitable system for funding AP and IB exams. She noted that the bill could lead to significant savings for school districts, allowing funds to be reallocated to support other educational needs.

During the discussion, Delegate Roberts raised questions about the bill's fiscal implications, noting that it could lead to decreased expenditures for local school systems. The committee members acknowledged the potential for cost savings while ensuring that low-income students continue to receive necessary support.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on House Bill 1185, indicating that the committee's work on educational legislation is ongoing. Overall, the session highlighted a commitment to improving access to advanced educational opportunities for all Maryland students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.