[{"_1":2,"_136":-5,"_137":-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",[32,76,88,100,112,124],{"_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",6194457,"mediaKeyId","3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3","parentId",3864144,"title","County adult education program honors graduates and recent citizens","audioSeconds",371,"startMs",7218000,"endMs",7589000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3&start=7218&end=7589","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3/thumbnail_7218000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6194457/Maryland/County-adult-education-program-honors-graduates-and-recent-citizens","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194457-d2b43ef52e92382f84a0e484f1e6b224/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432020&Signature=eIDa7hF6nFXMaCCP75GKCiVnKsMbWdvmQEY~pZsFiLaZ2RY1fykGcV-~2QKoJ3m3M14jIUErpPenO8TNTO4XYJQfr0yYrDQ-LzrTqaUCXelDl27Hf69PXVcBg130~Rw929EWpbgFn64WhRt5rfiq9BLAV1PoFo6wu2Sp6m-dgsF~l-zCH3zMcNW9Nlsd81tMzyDIfdjuNpjsQhVogda8pMJkr2VwuaCUi~1fxmUIhZJHDzzB661VNEBiQ-xz9GPuDPcqMBJEtRVeqoF7Gi1y3repEoj3zNdztfMTpIJo15p81w6h8JcvChOTrKTqLXY2awBstcDNV2BnzbyIuRVFMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Worcester County Public Schools","date","2025-06-19T08:26:04.627Z","article","Worcester County’s adult education program recognized eight graduates and several recent U.S. citizens at a ceremony during the June 17 Board of Education meeting.

Angela Paris, adult education coordinator, said the program served \"just under 250 adult learners\" this year and described varied motivations for enrollment, including work, college, military service and United States citizenship. Paris noted the district received a state Fourth and Goal grant to help Marylanders who had passed three of four high-school diploma test sections complete the final section; some ceremony participants were Fourth and Goal recipients.

The program highlighted individual graduates and their next steps: one graduate will attend Wor-Wic (Warwick was stated in the transcript as Warwick Community College) to major in cybersecurity; another plans to join the U.S. Air Force in the fall; multiple graduates were recognized for obtaining Maryland high-school diplomas and some for U.S. citizenship. Superintendent Lou Taylor and Board President Todd Ferrante joined in awarding certificates and congratulating the learners.

Paris asked graduates and new citizens to return for a group photo. Board members praised the program and thanked Paris for leading it; the board noted the program's role in re-engaging adult learners and serving workforce and civic goals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Worcester County Board of Education Meeting - June 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County adult education program celebrated eight graduates and multiple new U.S. citizens; the program served just under 250 adult learners this year and received a state 'Fourth and Goal' grant to help adults finish high-school requirements.","taxTitle","Worcester County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",49833,"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},6194463,"Board authorizes $550,163 data-center replacement, district projects long-term savings",220,9170000,9390000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3&start=9170&end=9390","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3/thumbnail_9170000.jpg","/articles/6194463/Maryland/Board-authorizes-550163-data-center-replacement-district-projects-long-term-savings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194463-52662e57881936fbba6aeb814c533566/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432020&Signature=YrXqyP1pPnknS60B3Pg8hqqFzO1PLo5EfhFGJGRxIJX6Xafb55OBkk-oTBwiCGHvElzc7XZQsql0~Gg9Du8PXNvvCgDL53ntCoXxjdd9UzPI5mzsho5r6sVD12JxVCE10YVH1-0nU7-6pW~lOFwRg3JnxpINa7emFZUbObekx6mWs6NRd0RPbdKqwNr6wWtmJX0t5PeueImO1L67g~j1vjxeKHJM-xdA4-GEu3ZwVMVe4puOHA91BK5Fo6sPc7Wntp-7IPUpO6kMuFLSJllVz-VWhlVJP5qweL3lzAsD5gBEjBRHfGSr-uGzToQk3EMtDFOX0T1PPp70NCG15Y~stA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Worcester County Board approved a proposal to replace the district’s central-office and school data-center equipment and move to a low-cost virtualization environment using Microsoft Hyper-V, with hardware procured through the Maryland education enterprise contract via Dell and Data Networks.

Dr. Mensah presented the project cost estimate of $550,163.47 and said the district intends to finance the purchase through a lease with Dell Financial Services. The lease schedule presented calls for a modest first payment followed by larger annual payments in FY27–29; Dr. Mensah said the district will pay $5,000 from the FY26 local budget for the first payment and forecast the remaining payments from FY27–29 local budgets and potential grant sources.

Dr. Mensah said the district previously faced a change in vendor licensing terms that would have required substantial ongoing subscription fees for virtualization software. He said moving to Hyper-V on new hardware and avoiding annual VMware subscription fees will save the district money over five years; his analysis estimated savings of approximately $522,533 over five years compared with continuing the current vendor subscription model.

The board approved the purchase and lease arrangement in open session by recorded motion. Staff said the district budgeted for the purchase in the current year and that the financing schedule and projected savings were included in the exhibit materials provided to the board.","The board approved replacing central-office data-center hardware using a Dell contract and financing through Dell Financial Services, with the district projecting savings versus continuing current licensing costs.",{"_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},6194468,"Board approves LED retrofit, HVAC design and adopts 2025–26 facilities master plan",686,8864000,9550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3&start=8864&end=9550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3/thumbnail_8864000.jpg","/articles/6194468/Maryland/Board-approves-LED-retrofit-HVAC-design-and-adopts-202526-facilities-master-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194468-185d5d85a7349a591ec1009316e38059/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432020&Signature=H2AD4S4nnqTnZvGRWQzEoSga9~PGPIef1~iutnjM9NxZ1SG6rrSKyMMllTFFhF~Zv4MD5g48DGnwW852NMLiv4IUG4NdSSgxG0w2aqL7FL67C-0NCk2BAFGcQJWTPnKzFgOTQ9ScUEui8q57voDfHaLogwA~8NmReCBwsBpV~lpeN466~OtkQTTL0MZrJ0zczscNgi2QbowSj-n3NXhxuup2SWDKJWgvzFIysdWiU3QkegKYCsL7fjz2vte8zIHlWCB8xGIWW9YOMpIbZXesT6TaGYr7niXfTt7xgwhTHXhsNpwh6XIP6UTlprtUFMohByyF1cqrFt~RQ7zX120psg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Worcester County Board approved multiple facilities and energy projects on June 17, including a full LED lighting retrofit at Stephen Decatur High School and design services for rooftop HVAC replacement at Pocomoke Elementary School, and it adopted the district's 2025–26 Educational Facilities Master Plan.

Sam Slayton, maintenance operations manager, told the board that the LED lighting project at Stephen Decatur High School will replace all fluorescent and halogen fixtures; the superintendent said funding comes from the Maryland Energy Administration and Delmarva Power rebates so \"there's no local money being put forward for this.\" The superintendent recommended awarding the work to Mid Atlantic Energy Solutions in the amount of $652,758; the board approved the recommendation by voice vote.

Slayton also presented a request to approve design services for replacement of rooftop units at Pocomoke Elementary School, noting the district received $2,148,447 from the Maryland Energy Administration and had $716,149 in county funds toward the project. Design services were recommended from Guype and Associates, using the Frederick County contract, for $208,500. Slayton said the new units will be 100% electric to meet a grant requirement to reduce fossil-fuel use, and he confirmed design and replacement will be coordinated with an upcoming roof project so warranties are not affected.

Joe Price, facilities planner, presented the 2025–26 Educational Facilities Master Plan required for submission to the Interagency Commission on School Construction; the board voted to approve the 196-page plan and authorize submission. The plan updates enrollment, schematic design work (including Buckingham Elementary and an upcoming Berlin Intermediate feasibility study), recently completed projects and projected future needs.

All three items were approved in open session; motions and votes were recorded on the meeting record.","The board approved a $652,758 LED lighting retrofit at Stephen Decatur High School funded by the Maryland Energy Administration and Delmarva rebates, authorized $208,500 in design services for rooftop unit replacement at Pocomoke Elementary using grant funds, and approved the district's FY25–26 Educational Facilities Master Plan.",{"_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},6194471,"Board approves contract ratifications with teachers, support staff unions",68,6502000,6570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3&start=6502&end=6570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3/thumbnail_6502000.jpg","/articles/6194471/Maryland/Board-approves-contract-ratifications-with-teachers-support-staff-unions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194471-735b77660f04181e6a46b7300fbef8bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432020&Signature=NRMqH~OUpqgOHkJxNJm1rgOaWi7Ty6OKRqQ-j1SaeG4ryzAm58X1b~l82UPEaA6prYZwiVHGgHpHP3dRwp7HlhBbMHibiodJyFqcr4r19T8ZQmF2p-l2DXRCrhVQBHOj-3OIpvo~CVD~SKSRD6ycp1d17I0iL1prAdvzQYMo7OzDFpQIc1cbHvU0ES9RueXgMnA6l82ICJgltpMTLrXvZmmzWG6rvAAIjg1KVWWTUgbzspF2beZV-NMYi1ghPDYB0QpDDyrTsxKzB7Aw0FRqTER34~HfLnDi7zBulvSEFH~3-G4J19eV8C9b97IdsVjAb6W4u3Zzve6xsNOcIHezZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Worcester County Board of Education approved the ratification signature pages for collective-bargaining agreements with the Worcester County Teachers Association (WCTA) and the Worcester County Educational Support Professional Association (WCESPA) for the 2025–26 school year.

At the June 17 meeting the superintendent reported the two associations \"have ratified an agreement which will provide a step increase for eligible employees, an increase for salary scale adjustments, and modification to existing contract language.\" The superintendent recommended approval of the renegotiated agreements and the board voted to approve the signing of the signature pages, which the superintendent said will mark ratification of both agreements.

Board President Todd Ferrante called for a motion; the motion was made by Donald Smack and seconded by John Andes. The board recorded the vote in favor; there were no recorded oppositions in the public minutes.

The district did not present detailed dollar figures or an itemized budgetary breakdown for the salary adjustments during the open session; district staff indicated the agreements cover step increases and scale adjustments and that signature pages finalizing the ratifications were required.","The Worcester County Board approved ratification signature pages for the Worcester County Teachers Association and the Worcester County Educational Support Professional Association, including step increases and salary scale adjustments for 2025–26.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6194473,"Worcester County schools report declines in violent incidents; summer safety trainings planned",259,6905000,7164000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3&start=6905&end=7164","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3/thumbnail_6905000.jpg","/articles/6194473/Maryland/Worcester-County-schools-report-declines-in-violent-incidents-summer-safety-trainings-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194473-481e4ea91627bf48fd500b648ee92cbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432020&Signature=jHSoxMC5yQcAA4LBC5qLYbpcJaJiB~3khTjkgyTQw528U1E~Dq8YiUuRWKTzYaXAozrlWeRAbZmMt7pEAY~kzn4MxCkMUq850LWIMkfiKRu2HCL0Tb818n3RmrMauC~oLdpNXuniR4WThfwbSHRpTRBm5-8VBLCCxG2MA2HpjfGfZ~nCn1OhNlMnWYrQPxwkO5IS4bFBwp2rwx2hn13JA7C8Wh~2p5QeV3bv2Gf7zLyigyg41aDiQRQ6IGelJ5BnNIdJbBgxafDg7OR1lG7RoSjgVQJW7DBKYtrezdwZDHDquffKi2fstq~uxMnv~RLlQ3tqRXDiT5DBTj5VgZaGbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Annette Wallace and district safety staff told the board that violent incidents in Worcester County Public Schools have decreased 42% and that all incidents have decreased 26% over the last three years.

Wallace, presenting the district safety update on June 17, said the district will hold its annual safety conference in July with two primary strands: a full day of behavioral threat assessment training for school teams and a second day focused on suicide awareness in partnership with the Jesse Klump Foundation. \"One of the best ways that we all know to prevent any kind of violence ... is through prevention,\" Wallace said.

Wallace noted the district’s disproportionality team meets monthly to review data and improve consistency in incident reporting and coding. She said earlier documentation gaps have been addressed through staff training and revised procedures. She credited the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Matt Crisafoli for supporting school safety and said the district plans to continue that partnership.

The update included no board-level action; it was given as an informational report. Board members offered no formal questions beyond acknowledgement. Wallace said she will provide specific dates and follow-up materials to board members about the July conference.","Chief safety officer reported a 42% reduction in violent incidents and a 26% drop in all incidents over three years and outlined two days of summer training on behavioral threat assessments and suicide awareness.",{"_33":125,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":126,"_41":127,"_43":128,"_45":129,"_47":130,"_49":131,"_51":132,"_53":133,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":134,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":135,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6194474,"Worcester County superintendent bids farewell; board names successor",339,5737000,6076000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3&start=5737&end=6076","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864144-cf7f80b2735b7c37486ddb84b1dea4e3/thumbnail_5737000.jpg","/articles/6194474/Maryland/Worcester-County-superintendent-bids-farewell-board-names-successor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194474-5b752a8c96d0ce13842238b4d7b85747/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432020&Signature=VjVc2jqvCpF2fkIBV8EjQk7fe9kl3HX-9brHJqBXfYicMYsPNks3ul7v9BsO4ZJe4fdkgvFEx3-SxV~maivxxn8b-yzHLx9ScNWZX82hwWkyaCvd8519XullqF8BRrPWJtuzZKAxcTv4zlmq9v3ESkEvbtpIQTeIlHDTH1mILoxHfpH9-NyxYjuphKuE2Mp5h6hsAcM9wL7EcQuXdieHAwdRIu5oy9CUl2dgshg3kHQlrQFWFAkAzzEtgzq0Nj~OnTCHGv26b6ftxcuUy9SgYllKoEKKh~6tMU6MV6PyUPsZ2CX-8IzjCs2rQ3LV98uko0AyoVj3tLuyY-dgi6hhtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lou Taylor delivered his final superintendent's report to the Worcester County Board of Education on June 17, thanking staff, families and students as he marked the end of a 41-year career with Worcester County Public Schools and saying July 1 will be his first July 1 off in decades.

Taylor said the last day of classes and summer academy start dates make this a particularly emotional departure: \"that same day will be my last day and my last proud day as superintendent of schools.\" He thanked his executive leadership team, teachers, support staff and families and added, \"Worcester County Public Schools is and will always be a large part of my heart.\"

The meeting included multiple public and board tributes praising Taylor’s long service. Board members credited him with steady leadership through the pandemic and for developing close working relationships across the district. Dr. John Andes said Taylor was a frequent presence at schools, and Board President Todd Ferrante said he had worked with Taylor for many years and thanked him for his leadership.

Taylor publicly endorsed Dr. Annette Wallace as the district's next superintendent during the meeting, saying the board made \"a wise decision to hire Dr. Annette Wallace.\" Dr. Wallace, who appeared in the meeting and later provided a safety update as incoming superintendent, was greeted by the board and staff during the event.

The board scheduled a public recognition and celebration for Taylor outside the regular agenda; several board members said they will speak again at a separate event. Taylor told the board he intends to remain supportive from \"behind the scenes\" and encouraged the district to pursue continued improvements under the new leadership.

No formal personnel action regarding the superintendent position was taken at the open meeting; the remarks and tributes were part of the superintendent's report and the public-comment and board-comment portions of the agenda.","Superintendent Lou Taylor delivered his final report to the Worcester County Board of Education and publicly endorsed Dr. Annette Wallace as his successor; board acknowledged his 41 years in education and held a public tribute.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County adult education program honors graduates and recent citizens

Board authorizes $550,163 data-center replacement, district projects long-term savings

Board approves LED retrofit, HVAC design and adopts 2025–26 facilities master plan

Board approves contract ratifications with teachers, support staff unions

Worcester County schools report declines in violent incidents; summer safety trainings planned

Worcester County superintendent bids farewell; board names successor