I want to thank everyone for supporting our students through ensuring we have a safe environment for all students both during the school day, at athletic events and beyond.

 

Recently, I closed one of our athletic events to the public to ensure our student-athletes were able to play their game without inappropriate disruptions from spectators. I made this decision based on an incident that occurred when we played the opposing team in December at their location. I understand not everyone agrees with my decision and I want to be clear, I will make decisions in the best interest of our students regardless of how popular or not the decision will be. I have observed on several occasions that it is some of the adult spectators who create a hostile environment in our athletic venues, for which I have no patience or tolerance. We need — and I expect — our adult spectators to serve as role models for our student-athletes in the spirit of sportsmanship. To this end, we will begin reminding spectators the expectations of their conduct and we will require people to leave who are acting inappropriately and inciting unsafe conditions. 

 

Additionally, I want to encourage our immigrant families to ensure their students are attending school. Our schools are safe learning environments and we care about all of our students. If you need resources for basic rights, emergency planning and standby guardianship you can access the Maryland State Department of Education website. Resources are in Spanish, French/Creole and English. 

 

Next, I want to thank everyone for their support and flexibility as we have navigated multiple inclement weather events this season. We will continue to respond to emerging weather events with timely decisions. To the greatest extent possible, I will try to communicate the evening prior so our parents have time to coordinate support. At the same time, occasionally, we must wait and see the conditions in the early morning hours to determine travel safety. And so for those last-minute morning announcements, I appreciate your grace when it creates inconvenience at your end.

 

We have an exciting step tomorrow in our efforts to build a new middle school facility. Our state delegation has submitted legislation HB 736, which seeks additional state funding toward construction costs. Tomorrow the State House Appropriations Committee meets to hear testimony for legislation. I want to thank the more than 550 people who responded to our request for written testimony as well all as those who are going in person to testify tomorrow. In particular, I want to thank Kent County Commissioner Albert Nickerson for joining me tomorrow for in-person testimony. It is important Kent County stands in solidarity regarding our middle school project. If the Appropriations Committee does not approve it, then the legislation dies for this session. If the Appropriations Committee approves it, the bill moves forward to the full floor of the House as the next step in the process. 

Posted Feb. 18, 2025