[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6546212,"mediaKeyId","3798119-34bc9e2e092722c4cf47bccab8bdf8de","parentId",3798119,"title","District updates board on Maryland Blueprint progress and a four-year strategic plan; monitoring tools to follow","audioSeconds",3695,"startMs",3390000,"endMs",7085000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798119-34bc9e2e092722c4cf47bccab8bdf8de&start=3390&end=7085","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798119-34bc9e2e092722c4cf47bccab8bdf8de/thumbnail_3390000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6546212/Maryland/District-updates-board-on-Maryland-Blueprint-progress-and-a-four-year-strategic-plan-monitoring-tools-to-follow","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546212-70d92233786248ea8d4f86b1a9048b5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132513&Signature=D8FQHhNY8tTd2sjEX0OFJoqPd0D~VDJAt4maNRtZ0UcmHGwh3FcxcY71DKWN4HovPk0qZkQMiFKo9gmgxYMriWmzXXLWRPBZGKIgLAWg9nCeP7sgfECO1t1gh9pB6C1xyYY-KaJqR1TfvPdn46ZHefQ4l5Z7EM7J-nKOnjoqlBk-SxFQwZO6IaHQog9h6UgC8knvGs8EF4FoJujk4sqFL7tgT77W96FtEwGlMDYqze98pG0DLxy~DbNVXj-lPmlDiP-yx7dATChQS7skZ3QdbXsiZz~ha3COiiuiRBS06kx-MqMatSJHkf5NeGG7hyh3ctnsJx46UrmnBIWqVgvzLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Talbot County Public Schools","date","2025-06-12T11:51:15Z","article","District staff provided two planning updates to the board at the June 11 meeting: a status report on implementation of the state's Blueprint for Maryland's Future and a presentation of the district's draft four-year strategic plan.

Mrs. Tillman, the district's blueprint implementation coordinator, told the board the district is in Phase 2 of the blueprint rollout and that the district's second blueprint implementation plan (covering 2024'27) was submitted last May and approved by the state's Accountability and Implementation Board in December 2024. The plan does not need resubmission this year; instead, the district will undergo progress monitoring with the AIB. Tillman highlighted local accomplishments tied to the blueprint, including Easton Elementary's third year as a community school, Easton Middle School entering year one as a community school, a new Judy Center at Tillman Elementary and a tally of about 60 industry-recognized credentials earned by students this year with additional scores pending.

She also described partnerships to expand high-quality prekindergarten slots for income-eligible children through mixed-delivery models; for example, the district is collaborating with Critchlow-Atkins child-care centers as the center seeks funding to convert slots to blueprint-funded seats that would allow full-day programming at no cost to eligible families if awarded.

Separately, district leaders presented a draft strategic plan framework that will guide work over four years. The plan lays out vision and mission language, a \"profile of a graduate\" (including academic preparedness, global citizenship, lifelong learning and adaptability), five priorities (academic achievement; high-quality staff; student/family/community engagement; aligned systems for success; and increased resources and efficiency), and linked objectives, measurable indicators and strategies. Staff said they will develop a monitoring \"scorecard\" or dashboard that will show progress on the indicators and will solicit continued feedback from work groups and the board.

Board members praised the strategic plan process and the level of community engagement used to develop priorities and metrics. Staff said they will return with a refined profile of a graduate, proposed monitoring tools and any required progress-monitoring materials for the AIB.

No formal board vote was required for either presentation; both items were informational, with staff directed to continue work and report back with monitoring materials and next steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Board Meeting - Jun 11 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Talbot County Public Schools staff told the board on June 11 they remain in Phase 2 of Maryland's Blueprint implementation, highlighted community schools and industry credential gains, and presented a draft four-year strategic plan with priorities, indicators and plans for a public-facing monitoring dashboard.","taxTitle","Talbot County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",76571,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6546217,"Therapy dog handler urges broader access; board to review AR restricting classroom visits",3739,3001000,6740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798119-34bc9e2e092722c4cf47bccab8bdf8de&start=3001&end=6740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798119-34bc9e2e092722c4cf47bccab8bdf8de/thumbnail_3001000.jpg","/articles/6546217/Maryland/Therapy-dog-handler-urges-broader-access-board-to-review-AR-restricting-classroom-visits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546217-ba708de6026e18108c484ba94f5d684a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132513&Signature=Yqfaxhdpb9cDRL9k1nQl0W0T7B7UjZzdI8WO6fTFZOWMgNZjDR0aa-JhstvjwEFz4ctPEk5K-XVbIlwrtfWsWHYPZPTfk93LGlVEGs3k6-t4CDUpLAf7wuqIRwqdeajKHdHXeaDn-3bd-olR406OJ0MczsdmackvXdjnK3mJnOgxBTW~PzfsWVJSmC7kY~VQA5z3u4KTUyGgvZ2aDv4USrBfKypA~wEcbPIGWQxo4QL~qSwqP5cCFfeoHjtU2ysos-tRWXch5s83byRO68t6MC6ayID7qFuv9ORLov8MuUdZqdb7PmwgDyKAdwsxdyIiOGgbG1I72UpNmAKuJD2FBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barb Jefferson, a longtime volunteer who brings therapy dogs to Talbot County Public Schools, urged the board at the June 11 meeting to revise district administrative regulations to expand students' access to therapy dogs, citing student behavioral and emotional benefits and requesting consideration of modest compensation for volunteer handlers.

\"The connection. And what happens is the children will speak. They trust they trust the dog. They'll talk to the dog. And we've had so many miracles with children,\" Jefferson told the board, describing more than 2,000 visits she has made to district schools since 2011.

Jefferson said a recent 18-month moratorium and subsequent policy changes have made it difficult for therapy teams to return to schools. She urged changes that would allow more classroom access, hugs and treats with parental permission, and suggested the district consider grant funding or subsidies to support volunteers who provide regular visits.

Board members discussed the issue during consideration of policy 5.17 and an accompanying administrative regulation (AR). One board member asked why the AR specified that therapy dogs (distinct from service animals) be kept in a separate room and students brought in one-on-one rather than allowing a dog to visit a classroom. The board asked staff and legal counsel to provide background on the AR and why that provision was included, and requested a return with more information so the board can consider whether to amend the AR.

The discussion did not produce an immediate change to the policy; the board left the policy text unchanged for the moment and asked staff for follow-up information that would explain the reasoning behind the existing AR and options for expanding access within the bounds of district policy and applicable laws.

No formal vote to change policy was taken at the meeting; the item was discussed and the matter was referred back to staff for further explanation and possible redrafting of the AR.","A long-time therapy dog handler urged the Talbot County Board of Education to relax administrative regulations that she says limit student access to therapy dogs. Board members asked staff for more information after discussion about an AR requirement that therapy dogs be used only in a separate room and students brought one-on-one to the dog.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6546222,"Board and union sign negotiated agreement; district leaders praise collaboration",103,3222000,3325000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798119-34bc9e2e092722c4cf47bccab8bdf8de&start=3222&end=3325","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798119-34bc9e2e092722c4cf47bccab8bdf8de/thumbnail_3222000.jpg","/articles/6546222/Maryland/Board-and-union-sign-negotiated-agreement-district-leaders-praise-collaboration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546222-72e68b2095b89adb92c8a4de112e7fff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132513&Signature=I6YQ~HqVaM88Q7BcjGhjFNxoY20l1tlcPjjItwRPN1Z120BCwclJpbGgzwz09vwvUUiekFW1juOiBZAZa679Zv8-aMlyPUj~1YVja~TLXf9DSCDPLNvCZwod6UUdDj0gNwr-Ex7sVGRi7kiXiwfTpGrraIlDO3M~yuhxtt4VkEv6Yon55cjnaTdFMpgbOCqw3hZxk4CKK9WYWQxICJ29J~RrXrpXhPZQZeBbB2PLHvEoes5eDM9PJkl6LsenGz7rY~ym6Igf52DdSjYRjXghDtUv2edjAiioxXLz~80zJfdqry1sT-IEU2GNqGqnqB-wai-odrHTGzXJoZhuTVdEXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Talbot County school officials and representatives of the bargaining unit completed and signed a negotiated agreement at the June 11 Talbot County Board of Education meeting, a move district and union leaders described as the product of cooperation among the district, the county council and the union.

A representative who identified themselves on behalf of the union thanked the board, the superintendent and county council for their collaboration. The speaker said the agreement includes financial increases and reflects a shared commitment to support the district's work under the superintendent's leadership.

Board members and district leaders publicly acknowledged the negotiating teams on both sides and the many parties who participated in the process. A brief ceremonial signing followed remarks, with board leadership and union representatives exchanging copies of the agreement.

District leaders said they will continue to coordinate implementation with finance and human resources staff and with the county as needed to ensure the contractual changes are reflected in the FY26 budget and payroll schedules.

There was no separate recorded roll-call vote on the ratification recorded in the meeting transcript; the parties completed a ceremonial signing and the board publicly recognized and accepted the negotiated document during the meeting.","Talbot County school leaders and union representatives completed and signed a negotiated agreement June 11. Board and staff framed the agreement as the result of collaborative bargaining and said it includes financial increases to support teacher recruitment and retention.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6546227,"Talbot County board adopts FY26 budget, taps $1.566 million in reserves for projects and health center",1371,7189000,8560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798119-34bc9e2e092722c4cf47bccab8bdf8de&start=7189&end=8560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798119-34bc9e2e092722c4cf47bccab8bdf8de/thumbnail_7189000.jpg","/articles/6546227/Maryland/Talbot-County-board-adopts-FY26-budget-taps-1566-million-in-reserves-for-projects-and-health-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546227-390cd1eb78c7e13b2e37e41a4b1d7198/orig.mp4?Expires=1771132513&Signature=i~7MqMNeaZqAQ3emDh62eEoY3ZPULOdV9i3LiktqP4T301I0RE6yqV~dLaIAMWmjIg-bQMbUC7Net6WDEDpxa9xpHcV7Hu-ZxM9rindnnfliSpvTodJXZktRS~ExxxC0pLnWjwaqYXfFytgJuzRgymPldwNR0PtosTs-9TuoR6MPY7-Z9slL~eN8HNoD-fQCjAWRtrhHceNyR0dfxWGNFZBqvLrz-rN5PO2QDaFbEiwUNj-3RwJwVVNfzcyIsflwFa3jJ0YZZr2oLoA3EwX1ckDWs~I5d~bkV7Xc3IMygr-o5D8UtPOsEtXlbSKMwbmj33tdze7qrkWTpvgWBdooZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Talbot County Board of Education approved the Talbot County Public Schools fiscal year 2026 unrestricted, restricted and capital budgets at its June 11 regular meeting, voting unanimously to adopt the spending plan after staff presented revisions to revenue estimates and one-time capital needs.

Board members voted to set FY26 total district revenue at about $81.526 million, down from an earlier projection of roughly $86.1 million, and to use $1,566,000 of fund balance for one-time items including auditorium lighting, an activity court at Easton Elementary School and an employee health center.

The budget change reflects three main adjustments presented by district staff: a state revenue estimate that remains uncertain, a $5,072,000 downward revision tied to the county appropriation, and a $260,000 reduction tied to changes in nonpublic tuition reimbursement legislation. In response to local priorities and project needs, the board authorized use of fund balance for three specific items: up to $300,000 to cover additional costs for Easton High School auditorium lighting; a conservative $175,000 allocation for an Easton Elementary activity court; and $280,000 to help open and operate an employee health center for nine months, assuming an October 1 opening date.

Superintendent and staff presentations noted the district expects to end FY25 with just over $8 million in fund balance and, after the FY26 adjustments, project an ending fund balance of about $6.6 million, roughly 8 percent of the next year's operating budget. The district's fund balance policy targets a reserve between 5 and 17 percent.

Budget staff said the revised budget reduces overall revenues by roughly $4.58 million from the budget passed in February but still represents an increase over FY25 operating levels. The FY26 budget also preserves $9.8 million in expected grant revenue (titles, Judy Center funding and other grants) while acknowledging an overall decline of about $1 million in grant funds compared with FY25, some of which were one-time awards or purchases in the prior year (for example, bus purchases and one-time capital projects).

The board-approved plan adds 15 new positions, many funded via county council support or tied to community schools, and includes the district's previously discussed elimination of five positions to realize nearly $500,000 in savings. District staff said the budget also reflects contract costs from recently ratified collective bargaining agreements and other operational savings, such as prepaying leases and some benefits renewals.

On capital timing, staff noted planning for the next major school replacement project would begin in 2031 with an initial educational specifications and feasibility study entry in the capital plan. Board members asked about the scope and cost drivers for the Easton Elementary activity court; facilities staff explained the site work includes protecting geothermal wells, relocating a dumpster enclosure and installing fencing and surfacing, which together increase the project's complexity and cost compared with a simple paved court.

Motion to approve the FY26 unrestricted, restricted and capital budgets was made and seconded at the meeting; the board voted in favor and the budget was adopted.

District staff said they will continue to seek grant windows that could offset some of the proposed fund-balance use and will return with updates to the board as grant awards or additional state guidance materialize.

The budget vote concluded the board's substantive business for the night; personnel and other routine items were acted upon afterward.","The Talbot County Board of Education on June 11 approved its fiscal year 2026 unrestricted, restricted and capital budgets, reducing the district's revenue estimate and authorizing $1.566 million in fund balance for three one-time projects while keeping the district's reserve above policy minimums.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District updates board on Maryland Blueprint progress and a four-year strategic plan; monitoring tools to follow

Therapy dog handler urges broader access; board to review AR restricting classroom visits

Board and union sign negotiated agreement; district leaders praise collaboration

Talbot County board adopts FY26 budget, taps $1.566 million in reserves for projects and health center