Governor O'Malley Addresses Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland
ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 14, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley focused on the progress achieved by Maryland’s children, and addressed the FY2009 budget implications for education in Maryland before members of the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland (PSSAM) today. Congratulating the administrators in attendance for continued progress in MSA test scores, Governor O’Malley noted that Maryland’s students rank among the nations best in Advanced Placement exam scores as well.
“Forbes Magazine would say that we in Maryland have one of the three most highly skilled workforces in the country,” said Governor O’Malley. “We also have what Education Week says is one of the three best public school systems in America. It’s a great tribute to your hard work that our students continue to achieve at unprecedented levels.”
Governor O’Malley focused on the historic investments in education made over the last two years as evidence that the O’Malley-Brown administration is committed to protecting the shared priorities of Maryland’s future. In spite of difficult economic times, a record $5.3 billion, including over $740 million in school construction, has been invested in K-12 education.
Beyond financial investment, however, the Governor also noted the importance of aligning modern curricula with the needs of a rapidly changing economy. The creation of the P-20 Council helps meet these needs, bringing together the efforts of education professionals from kindergarten through graduate school in a more coordinated, cogent, and comprehensive way. In addition, a renewed emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Career and Technology Education (CTE) calls for the preparation of every student for the needs of a modern workforce.
“We know that there are multiple pathways to success for all Marylanders,” said Governor O’Malley. “That is why these pieces are so vital to the larger puzzle. Our vision calls for better preparation of every student, at every age, in every region of our State.”
During difficult economic times, Governor O’Malley said that it is more important now than ever for middle class families to not face additional hurdles in achieving their dreams of higher education. In-state college tuition has remained frozen, with zero increases, for three straight years, and funding for community colleges has increased dramatically when compared to four years ago.
Governor O’Malley also addressed the budget implications for education, in light of the upcoming FY2009 budget reductions, and expected revenue shortfalls of FY2010. Noting the importance of identifying new revenue in order to meet the funding mandates for education, Governor O’Malley urged support for the upcoming slots referendum, which would pump more than $660 million in education funding alone by FY2012.
“We all know what happens if we’re unable to pass this referendum,” said Governor O’Malley. “We continue exporting revenues to other states, and we find ourselves having to figure out how to close budget holes in a state budget where 80 percent of our funding goes to education, health, and public safety. Question two is one of the most taxpayer-friendly proposals in the nation, and public education is the primary beneficiary.”
