reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 15 - Maryland Safe to Learn Act › Section 7-1509 - Regulations; Drills; Emergency Response Policies

(a)    The Department, in consultation with the Subcabinet, may adopt regulations to incorporate in the annual schedule of drills for each local school system developmentally and age–appropriate components of:
(1)    The Active Shooter Preparedness Program developed by the Department of Homeland Security or guidelines; or
(2)    The active shooter guidelines adopted by the Maryland Active Assailant Work Group established under Executive Order 01.01.2018.08.
(b)    Drills incorporated into the annual schedule of drills under subsection (a) of this section may include developmentally and age–appropriate procedures for students or school personnel in:
(1)    Securing classrooms;
(2)    Barricading classrooms and school entries;
(3)    Taking refuge in the classroom; and
(4)    When appropriate, escape from the classroom or school.
(c)    The Department shall notify the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Legislative Policy Committee of proposed changes to regulations that alter the annual schedule of drills as provided under this section.
(d)    Each local school system shall collaborate with the local law enforcement agency to establish policies for responding to an emergency at each public school in the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 15 - Maryland Safe to Learn Act › Section 7-1511 - Appointment of Mental Health Services Coordinator

(a)    Each behavioral health services coordinator under § 7–447 of this title shall develop plans for delivering behavioral health and wraparound services to students who exhibit behaviors of concern.
(b)    (1)    The Subcabinet may provide grants from the Fund to local school systems to develop plans for delivering behavioral health and wraparound services to students who exhibit behaviors of concern.
(2)    In applying for a grant under this subsection, a local school system shall provide evidence of how external funding will be maximized to provide students with behavioral health and wraparound services, including through the submission of claims to health insurance plans, if applicable, for any covered health services.
(c)    The Subcabinet shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 17 - Public School Opportunities Enhancement Program › Section 7-1701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Community school” means an existing public school in the State that utilizes a community school strategy that is recognized by the Maryland Out of School Time Network.
(c)    “Extended day and summer enhancement  program” means an educational and recreational enrichment  program for children between the ages of 4 and 19 that  takes place:
(1)    Before and after the school day;
(2)    On weekends and holidays; and
(3)    During vacations and summer breaks.
(d)    “Grantee” means a local school system, a community school, or a nonprofit organization that receives a Public School Opportunities Enhancement Grant from the Department.
(e)    “Nonprofit organization” means an organization that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(f)    “Program” means the  Public School Opportunities Enhancement Program.
(g)    “Technical assistance” means assistance provided by the Department to:
(1)    Identify and implement effective practices for extended day and summer enhancement programs;
(2)    Ensure that extended day and summer enhancement programs comply with the Maryland Out–of–School Time Programs’ Quality Standards Framework; and
(3)    Ensure that extended day and summer enhancement programs have an educational component that is age appropriate and aligned with the Maryland College and Career Ready standards.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 17 - Public School Opportunities Enhancement Program › Section 7-1702 - Program Established

(a)    There is a  Public School Opportunities Enhancement Program.
(b)    (1)    The Department shall administer the Program.
(2)    The Department shall consult with the Department of Natural Resources when reviewing the recreational components of an extended day or summer enhancement program.
(c)    (1)    (i)    On or before December 1, 2016, the Department, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, shall develop a comprehensive plan for extended day or summer enhancement programs.
(ii)    The comprehensive plan required by subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall address:
1.    Leveraging public and private funding sources as well as federal funding sources to support extended day and summer enhancement programs;
2.    The special needs of children with disabilities;
3.    Using school buildings, public libraries, and local public transportation resources for extended day and summer enhancement programs;
4.    Providing technical assistance to nonprofit organizations;
5.    Expanding the number of high quality extended day and summer enhancement programs in the State; and
6.    Integrating the plans developed by local jurisdictions to expand the number of high quality extended day and summer enhancement programs.
(2)    On or before December 1, 2017, and each year thereafter, the Department, in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, shall review and update the comprehensive plan required in paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection.
(d)    (1)    The Department shall use the Maryland Out–of–School Time Programs’ Quality Standards Framework to monitor and assess the quality of the extended day and summer enhancement programs provided by nonprofit organizations that receive funding in accordance with this subtitle.
(2)    The Maryland Out–of–School Time Programs’ Quality Standards Framework does not supersede applicable child care center licensing regulations.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 17 - Public School Opportunities Enhancement Program › Section 7-1704 - Appropriations

(a)    For fiscal year 2018, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $2,500,000 to the Program.
(b)    (1)    For fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of  $3,000,000 to the Program.
(2)    A grantee that remains eligible for the Program shall receive a grant in the next fiscal year in an amount equal to the grant amount in the current fiscal year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 17 - Public School Opportunities Enhancement Program › Section 7-1705 - Reports

On or before December 31 of each year, the Department shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the implementation of the Program, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of the  programs and services funded in accordance with this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 18 - Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools › Section 7-1801 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “College partner” means an institution of higher education that:
(1)    Has received a certificate of approval from the Commission under Title 11, Subtitle 2 of this article;
(2)    Has entered into a memorandum of understanding with a P–TECH school;
(3)    Helps to develop and coordinate the pathway sequence; and
(4)    Provides student support services to P–TECH students.
(c)    “Commission” means the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
(d)    “County board” includes a consortium of county boards that have an agreement to operate a P–TECH school that serves the students in the local school systems that are part of the consortium.
(e)    “Industry partner” means an employer that:
(1)    Has entered into a memorandum of understanding with a P–TECH school;
(2)    Helps develop and coordinate the pathway sequence; and
(3)    Provides mentoring and internship opportunities for P–TECH students.
(f)    “P–TECH school” means a Pathways in Technology Early College High school that:
(1)    Is a public secondary school selected by the Department;
(2)    Partners with a college partner;
(3)    Partners with an industry partner; and
(4)    Has executed a memorandum of understanding in accordance with § 7–1802(b)(2) of this subtitle.
(g)    “P–TECH school costs” means the following costs of operating a P–TECH school and offering and administering a pathway sequence:
(1)    Additional staff for the P–TECH school to implement the  pathway sequence;
(2)    Instructional support services including professional development for staff for the pathway sequence, pathway sequence materials, additional teacher planning, and additional coordination;
(3)    Extended day programs;
(4)    Student support services including counseling, tutoring, student career exploration, and student events relating to a pathway sequence;
(5)    Student textbooks, materials, or technology that a student is required to use as part of the pathway sequence; and
(6)    Transportation services.
(h)    “P–TECH student” means a student enrolled in a P–TECH school.
(i)    “Pathway sequence” means a curriculum or course of study at a P–TECH school that leads to a high school diploma and an associate’s degree that may be completed within a 6–year time period.
(j)    “Program” means the Pathways in Technology Early College High School Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 18 - Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools › Section 7-1802 - Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-Tech) Schools Program Established

(a)    (1)    There is a Pathways in Technology Early College High School Program in the State.
(2)    The Department, in consultation with the Commission, shall administer and develop the Program to assist county boards in establishing P–TECH schools.
(b)    (1)    A P–TECH school:
(i)    Shall:
1.    Reserve at least 50% of its available space for students who meet the free and reduced price meal income criteria; and
2.    Be established through a memorandum of understanding executed between one or more industry partners, one or more college partners, and a county board; and
(ii)    May be established as a school within a school.
(2)    The memorandum of understanding executed in accordance with paragraph (1)(i)2 of this subsection shall include provisions ensuring that:
(i)    Each P–TECH student receives:
1.    Substantive mentoring by an industry partner; and
2.    At least one paid summer internship of at least 6 weeks’ duration with an industry partner; and
(ii)    P–TECH students are first in line for consideration for a job at the industry partner after graduation.
(c)    A student who is enrolled in a P–TECH school may not be considered a dually enrolled student under Title 18, Subtitle 14A of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 18 - Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools › Section 7-1803 - P-Tech Planning Grant Program

(a)    (1)    There is a P–TECH Planning Grant Program in the State.
(2)    The purpose of the P–TECH Planning Grant Program is to provide grants to county boards to plan and develop P–TECH schools in the State.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, beginning in fiscal year 2018, no more than one P–TECH Planning Grant may be awarded in a local school system.
(c)    Funds for the P–TECH Planning Grant Program shall be as provided in the State budget.
(d)    Beginning in fiscal year 2020, no more than three new P–TECH Planning Grants may be awarded to establish a new P–TECH school until the 2016–2017 cohort of P–TECH students completes the 6–year pathway sequence.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 18 - Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools › Section 7-1804 - General Consideration

(a)    A P–TECH student may not be required to pay any cost that is related to enrollment and participation in the Program, including tuition and mandatory fees.
(b)    P–TECH students shall be included in the full–time equivalent enrollment under § 5–202 of this article as follows:
(1)    Multiply the number of students who are enrolled in the fifth year of the Program by 0.50; and
(2)    Multiply the number of students who are enrolled in the sixth year of the Program by 0.25.
(c)    Student credit hours earned at a community college by a P–TECH student shall be included in the full–time equivalent student calculation established in  §§ 16–305 and 16–502 of this article.
(d)    (1)    (i)    A P–TECH supplemental college grant is an amount equal to the tuition and mandatory fees that would normally be charged for the classes in which the P–TECH student is enrolled.
(ii)    The State share of a P–TECH supplemental college grant shall be calculated and distributed by the State to college partners and equals:
1.    50% for counties that received a grant under § 16–501 of the Local Government Article in the prior fiscal year; or
2.    25% for counties that did not receive a grant under § 16–501 of the Local Government Article in the prior fiscal year.
(iii)    The local share of a P–TECH supplemental college grant shall be calculated and distributed by a county board to college partners and equals the amount not paid by the State under this paragraph.
(2)    (i)    The State share of a P–TECH supplemental school grant is not less than $750 per P–TECH student per school year and shall be used for P–TECH school costs.
(ii)    The State share of a P–TECH supplemental school grant shall be calculated and distributed by the Department to county boards.
(iii)    A county board that receives a P–TECH supplemental school grant shall match 100% of the State share.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 18 - Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools › Section 7-1806 - Reports

(a)    On or before December 1 each year, the Department, in consultation with the Commission, shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the implementation of the Program in the State, including:
(1)    The number of students enrolled in each P–TECH school;
(2)    The industry partners associated with each P–TECH school;
(3)    The pathway sequence created for each P–TECH school;
(4)    How P–TECH students performed on federal and State assessments;
(5)    The number of P–TECH students graduating from each P–TECH school and receiving a high school diploma and an associate’s degree;
(6)    The year in which each P–TECH student graduated and received the degree;
(7)    The number of P–TECH students in each P–TECH school who receive paid internships with each industry partner;
(8)    The number of P–TECH students in each P–TECH school on track for on–time completion of the pathway sequence;
(9)    The rate of attrition, if any, from each P–TECH school by grade and by cohort;
(10)    The number of students at each P–TECH school who have an IEP plan, have a 504 plan, or are English Language Learners;
(11)    The percentage of P–TECH students who meet the free and reduced meal plan income criteria in each P–TECH school;
(12)    The number of P–TECH students in each P–TECH school who, by the fourth year of the pathway sequence, complete the requirements for a high school diploma;
(13)    The number of P–TECH students in each P–TECH school who are employed after completion of the pathway sequence with each industry partner or who matriculate to a public or private senior higher education institution after finishing the pathway sequence;
(14)    The base and supplemental costs of operating a P–TECH school;
(15)    The total amount of funds distributed to each P–TECH school in accordance with this subtitle;
(16)    An accounting of each P–TECH school’s expenditures; and
(17)    Whether all funds distributed under this subtitle were spent.
(b)    On or before December 1, 2023, the Department, in consultation with the Commission, shall submit to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly:
(1)    An analysis of the annual data reported under subsection (a) of this section; and
(2)    An evaluation of whether the P–TECH Program is successful in preparing students for the workforce or for further postsecondary education.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 19 - Lynx High School › Section 7-1901 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “County Superintendent” means the Frederick County Superintendent of Schools.
(c)    “LYNX High School” means a Linking Youth to New Experiences High School.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 19 - Lynx High School › Section 7-1902 - School Established

(a)    (1)    There is a LYNX High School at Frederick High School in Frederick County.
(2)    The LYNX High School is a public school under the authority and supervision of the Frederick County Board of Education and the Frederick County Superintendent of Schools.
(b)    The purposes of the LYNX High School are to:
(1)    Provide individualized, self–directed learning opportunities for every student in accordance with a personal plan for success that is developed by each student with the assistance of education and business advocates and parents or guardians and is approved by the County Superintendent;
(2)    In accordance with a student’s personal plan for success, allow the student to select academic course work, the method of instruction, and the pace of learning that works best for the individual student; and
(3)    Allow the student to participate in and move between project–based learning experiences at the high school and college levels and work, internship, or apprenticeship experiences focused on college and career readiness competencies as an integral part of the student’s curriculum.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 19 - Lynx High School › Section 7-1905 - Evaluation; Reports; Continued Operation

(a)    The County Superintendent shall conduct an evaluation of the LYNX High School each year.
(b)    On or before September 30 each year, the County Superintendent shall submit to the State Board an evaluation report for the prior fiscal year that includes:
(1)    The academic and career progress of each student enrolled in the LYNX High School;
(2)    The level of satisfaction of the students, teachers, parents or guardians, and advocates with the LYNX High School; and
(3)    The LYNX High School’s fiscal year financial report.
(c)    The LYNX High School may continue to operate until the County Superintendent sends to the State Board a written notice that the LYNX High School has been discontinued.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 21 - Student Data Governance › Section 7-2101 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Personally identifiable information” means information that, alone or in combination,  makes it possible to  identify an individual student with reasonable certainty.
(c)    “Student data” means any personally identifiable information relating to an identified or identifiable student in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 21 - Student Data Governance › Section 7-2102 - Best Practices for Data Privacy and Security Incident Response Plan

The Department, in consultation with the Department of Information Technology and county boards, shall develop and update best practices for county boards to:
(1)    Manage and maintain data privacy and security practices in the processing of student data and personally identifiable information across the county board’s information technology and records management systems;
(2)    Develop and implement:
(i)    A data privacy and security incident response plan;
(ii)    A breach notification plan; and
(iii)    Procedures and requirements for allowing access to student data and personally identifiable information for a legitimate research purpose; and
(3)    Publish information annually on:
(i)    Types of student data and personally identifiable information processed by the county board, the protocols for processing student data, and the rationales for selecting processing protocols;
(ii)    Contracted services that involve sharing student data between a county board and a school service contract provider; and
(iii)    Procedures and rationales for vetting and selecting Internet sites, services, and applications.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 21 - Student Data Governance › Section 7-2103 - Best Practices for Professional Development on Data Governance Policies and Procedures

(a)    The Department, in consultation with the Department of Information Technology and county boards, shall develop and update best practices for professional development on data governance policies and procedures.
(b)    A county board may implement the best practices for professional development on data governance policies and procedures developed under subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 7 - Public Schools › Subtitle 21 - Student Data Governance › Section 7-2104 - Strategies to Coordinate and Assist Local Data Governance Staff; Employee to Manage and Maintain Program

(a)    The Department shall develop strategies to coordinate and assist local data governance staff in the counties to implement best practices developed under § 7–2102 of this subtitle.
(b)    A county board may designate an employee to manage and maintain a data governance program in the county that meets the requirements of § 7–2102 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 1 - Disadvantaged Children › Section 8-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Disadvantaged child” means a child who:
(1)    Because of environmental conditions, is not achieving at a level that is scholastically up to his potential abilities;
(2)    Has to compensate for his inability to profit from the normal educational program;
(3)    Is 3 years old or older and under 19 and has not graduated from high school;
(4)    Has the potential to complete successfully a regular educational program leading to graduation from a high school; and
(5)    Because of home and community environment, is subject to language, cultural, and economic disadvantages that make his completion of the regular program leading to graduation unlikely without special efforts by school authorities to provide stimulation of his potential in addition to the efforts involved in providing the regular educational programs.
(c)    “Program of compensatory education” means a program adopted by a county board for any of the grades prekindergarten through 12 that:
(1)    Is in the form required by this subtitle;
(2)    Supplements the regular educational programs of the county board;
(3)    Includes a plan for the identification of disadvantaged children; and
(4)    Has the purpose of providing stimulation of the intellectual abilities of disadvantaged children.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 1 - Disadvantaged Children › Section 8-102 - Establishment of Programs of Compensatory Education

To the extent that funds are provided in the State budget or are available from other sources, the State Board may establish programs of compensatory education of the following types:
(1)    New or modified teacher training curricula to incorporate instruction in methods and techniques:
(i)    Developed by competent authorities; and
(ii)    Designed to enable teachers to identify and teach disadvantaged children effectively;
(2)    Research and consultative projects undertaken to assist State agencies and the county boards in carrying out their responsibilities under this subtitle; and
(3)    Evaluation, demonstration, and distribution of findings that are related to programs of compensatory education independently or in cooperation with any public or private agency or organization that engages in research and development designed to overcome disadvantage.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 1 - Disadvantaged Children › Section 8-103 - Duties of State Superintendent

The State Superintendent shall:
(1)    Supervise and control each program of compensatory education provided in this State;
(2)    Take any action necessary to coordinate these programs;
(3)    Approve or disapprove, as may be appropriate, each county program application; and
(4)    Provide technical and consultative assistance to the county boards.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 1 - Disadvantaged Children › Section 8-104 - Guidance for County Boards

(a)    The State Board shall establish standards to guide county boards in applying for:
(1)    Any State funds that are provided in the State budget specifically for the purposes of this subtitle; and
(2)    Funds provided under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
(b)    These standards apply to the extent that they do not conflict with the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 or regulations adopted under that Act.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 1 - Disadvantaged Children › Section 8-105 - Comprehensive Compensatory Education Plan

Each county board that applies for State funds under this subtitle shall include a comprehensive compensatory education plan in its application that:
(1)    Emphasizes a preventive program aimed at disadvantaged or potentially disadvantaged children; and
(2)    Has as an ultimate goal:
(i)    Teaching disadvantaged or potentially disadvantaged children to read;
(ii)    Awakening their interest in learning;
(iii)    Giving them a sense of success in school achievement;
(iv)    Preventing their alienation from the school; and
(v)    Preventing their early departure from school.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 2 - Gifted and Talented Students › Section 8-201 - "Gifted and Talented Student" Defined

(a)    In this subtitle, “gifted and talented student” means an elementary or secondary student who is identified by professionally qualified individuals as:
(1)    Having outstanding talent and performing, or showing the potential for performing, at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with other students of a similar age, experience, or environment;
(2)    Exhibiting high performance capability in intellectual, creative, or artistic areas;
(3)    Possessing an unusual leadership capacity; or
(4)    Excelling in specific academic fields.
(b)    (1)    Beginning with the 2022–2023 school year, a gifted and talented student in middle school, 9th grade, or 10th grade may meet the college and career readiness standard under § 7–205.1 of this article.
(2)    Each local school system shall develop accelerated pathways and enrichment programs for gifted and talented students to achieve college and career readiness before the end of the 10th grade.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 2 - Gifted and Talented Students › Section 8-202 - Statement of Policy

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)    A gifted and talented student needs different services beyond those normally provided by the regular school program in order to develop the student’s potential; and
(2)    Gifted and talented students are to be found in youth from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 2 - Gifted and Talented Students › Section 8-204 - State Board to Support Programs

To the extent funds are provided in the State budget or are available from other sources, the State Board shall provide guidance, consultative and technical assistance, and fiscal support for programs that include:
(1)    Teacher training to incorporate instruction in methods and techniques that are designed to enable teachers to identify and teach gifted and talented students;
(2)    Research undertaken to help develop new or modified curricula for gifted and talented students; and
(3)    Evaluation, demonstration, and distribution of findings that are related to programs for gifted and talented students.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-301 - "Blind Child" Defined

In this subtitle, “blind child” means a child 6 years old or older and under 19 who has a visual impairment and because of that impairment cannot progress satisfactorily in an ordinary public or private school.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-302 - Education of Blind Children Required

(a)    This section does not apply to a child whose physical condition makes the child’s instruction under this section inexpedient or impracticable.
(b)    Each blind child shall attend a school or classes for the blind during the school year unless the child otherwise is receiving regular, thorough instruction during the school year in studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age.
(c)    A superintendent or principal of a school for the blind or an individual authorized by a superintendent or principal may excuse a blind child for a necessary absence.
(d)    Each person who has a blind child under the person’s control shall see that the child attends school or receives instruction as required by this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-304 - Maryland School for the Blind -- Standards for Admission and Dismissal

(a)    The Maryland School for the Blind shall adopt written standards for the admission and dismissal of students.
(b)    The standards and any amendments shall be submitted to the State Board for approval under § 2–206 of this article.
(c)    The State Board may require modifications to the standards as it considers necessary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-305 - Maryland School for the Blind -- Review of Admission and Dismissal Decisions

(a)    If the Maryland School for the Blind refuses to admit a child or dismisses a child, a parent or guardian of the child may make a written request to the Office of Administrative Hearings that a review be conducted to determine if the decision was appropriate.
(b)    A review shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of § 8–413 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-306 - Notice to Parents or Guardians of Availability of Programs Offered at the Maryland School for the Blind

Each local education agency in the State shall notify the parents or guardians of each blind or visually impaired child, including children with multiple disabilities, of the availability of the educational programs offered by the Maryland School for the Blind.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-308 - Maryland School for the Blind -- Uniform Pay Plan -- Recommendations by Board -- Incorporation Into Budget

(a)    In this section, “Board” has the meaning stated in § 8–310 of this subtitle.
(b)    Teachers and any other professional personnel at the Maryland School for the Blind shall be paid an annual salary that is at least equal to the salary received by public school teachers and professional personnel of similar training and experience in Baltimore County.
(c)    (1)    There shall be a single, uniform pay plan for teachers and other professional personnel at the Maryland School for the Blind.
(2)    The pay plan shall be established by the Secretary of Budget and Management after considering recommendations from the Board.
(3)    The Secretary of Budget and Management shall include in the pay plan classifications and pay grades based on the duties, responsibilities, education, and training required.
(d)    In determining its recommendations for the pay plan, the Board, in consultation with the faculty and staff of the Maryland School for the Blind, shall review the salaries of public school teachers and other professional personnel in Baltimore County and shall recommend to the Secretary of Budget and Management salaries that will be adequate to recruit and retain qualified teachers and professional personnel at the Maryland School for the Blind.
(e)    The Board shall provide recommendations to the Secretary of Budget and Management on or before the June 1 prior to the July 1 of the first fiscal year in which the pay plan will take effect.
(f)    Beginning with the third fiscal year the pay plan is in effect and in every third fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of Budget and Management shall adjust the pay plan, if necessary, to ensure that salaries in the pay plan are adequate to recruit and retain qualified teachers and other professional personnel.
(g)    On or before the September 1 preceding the beginning of the fiscal year for which adjustments to the pay plan may be made under this section, the Board shall review the salaries of public school teachers and other professional personnel in Baltimore County and shall recommend adjustments to the pay plan to the Secretary of Budget and Management.
(h)    The Secretary of Budget and Management shall review the recommendations of the Board prior to making adjustments to the pay plan authorized by this section.
(i)    The Secretary of Budget and Management shall incorporate these adjustments into the budget recommendations for the Governor’s review and approval for inclusion in the annual budget request.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-309 - Maryland School for the Blind -- Payments by Counties

(a)    (1)    Each county board shall pay the Maryland School for the Blind an amount equal to the local share of the basic cost, as defined in § 8–415(d)(1) of this title, for each blind child who is sent to the school from the county each year to support the cost of instructional programming.
(2)    Each county governing body shall include a child sent to the Maryland School for the Blind under paragraph (1) of this subsection in the full–time equivalent enrollment used for calculating the required local funds appropriated under § 5–202(d) of this article.
(b)    The Board of Directors of the Maryland School for the Blind shall give each county board on April 1 and October 1 of each year a statement that contains:
(1)    The number of blind children who are attending from the county; and
(2)    The name of each blind child from the county and charged to the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-310 - Maryland School for the Blind -- Board of Directors

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Maryland School for the Blind.
(3)    “Superintendent” means the State Superintendent of Schools.
(b)    The Maryland School for the Blind, a body corporate of the State the charter of which was established on May 19, 1853, shall be governed by the Board.
(c)    (1)    The Board consists of 25 members.
(2)    Of the 25 members of the Board:
(i)    Subject to confirmation by the Senate of Maryland, five members, including one member of the Senate of Maryland and one member of the Maryland House of Delegates, shall be appointed jointly by the Governor and the Superintendent, with recommendations from the Chairman of the Board; and
(ii)    20 members shall be elected according to the charter and bylaws of the Maryland School for the Blind.
(3)    (i)    The term of a member is 3 years.
(ii)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed.
(iii)    Any vacancy shall be filled in the same manner in which the vacating member was appointed.
(iv)    1.    Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, a member who serves three consecutive terms may not be reappointed for 1 year after completion of those terms.
2.    The Chairman of the Board may be reappointed to serve additional terms immediately after completion of three consecutive terms.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-311 - Maryland School for the Blind -- Program of Enhanced Services

(a)    The Maryland School for the Blind shall establish and operate a program of enhanced services for blind students who have other severe disabilities.
(b)    The Maryland School for the Blind shall include a description of the program in the written agreement with the Department of Education required under § 8–312 of this subtitle.
(c)    The costs of providing enhanced services to a child under the program shall be shared by the State and by the county in which the child is domiciled as provided in subsection (d) of this section.
(d)    (1)    (i)    Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Department, in consultation with the Maryland School for the Blind, shall determine on an individual basis those students who are eligible for the enhanced program described in this section.
(ii)    Students served in the enhanced program shall be students who are at risk of requiring nonpublic placement in an out–of–state special education facility, including students who are blind/deaf or students with other severe and multiple disabilities.
(2)    (i)    The county in which a child placed in the enhanced program is domiciled shall pay the local share of the “basic cost”, as defined in § 8–415(d)(1) of this title, of the education for that child.
(ii)    A county which pays the local share of the “basic cost” as provided in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall not pay the tuition required in § 8–309 of this subtitle.
(3)    The State shall pay the cost of serving a student in the enhanced program based on an individual cost sheet completed by the Department for each student enrolled in the program.
(e)    In addition to the funding provided for enhanced services under this section, the Governor shall annually include at least $1,000,000 in the State budget for the cost of providing residential services.
(f)    On or before September 1 each year, the Department shall report to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House Committee on Ways and Means, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:
(1)    The number of students enrolled in the program established under subsection (a) of this section;
(2)    The annual costs of the program established under subsection (a) of this section; and
(3)    Any anticipated enrollment growth and future costs related to the program established under subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-312 - Maryland School for the Blind -- Monitoring and Review by Department

(a)    The Department of Education and the Maryland School for the Blind shall enter into a written agreement.
(b)    The agreement shall provide for monitoring and review by the Department of the Maryland School for the Blind, including:
(1)    Review by the Department of the annual budget approved by the Board of the Maryland School for the Blind;
(2)    Monitoring by the Department of the Maryland School for the Blind’s program of enhanced services for blind students who have severe disabilities, including the criteria approved by the Board of the Maryland School for the Blind for the admission of students to the program;
(3)    Consultation between the Department and the Maryland School for the Blind on issues of blind education;
(4)    Assistance from the Department in developing agreements between the Maryland School for the Blind and local school systems and other State and local agencies for provision of services to blind children; and
(5)    Monitoring by and assistance from the Department regarding other aspects of the Maryland School for the Blind’s educational program and services to blind children as required by federal or State law.
(c)    (1)    The Maryland School for the Blind may enter into written agreements with State and local agencies, including local school systems, for the purpose of providing services to blind children.
(2)    This subsection in no way abrogates the obligation of the local school systems to provide alternative programs for blind students.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-313 - Maryland School for the Blind -- Funding

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “4–year average annual full–time equivalent enrollment” means:
(i)    The average number of students enrolled annually in grades prekindergarten through grade 12 at the Maryland School for the Blind during 4 consecutive school years as determined by dividing the aggregate monthly enrollment during the 4–year period by the number of months school is in session during the 4–year period;
(ii)    One–half the average number of children served annually by the Maryland School for the Blind’s Early Intervention Program during 4 consecutive school years as determined by dividing the Program’s aggregate monthly enrollment during the 4–year period by the number of months school is in session during the 4–year period; and
(iii)    One–half the average number of children served annually by the Maryland School for the Blind’s Outreach Program during 4 consecutive fiscal years as determined by dividing the Program’s aggregate monthly enrollment during the 4–year period by the number of months the Program operates during the 4–year period.
(3)    “Growth in the target per pupil foundation amount” means the change in the per pupil amount from the prior fiscal year to the current fiscal year divided by the per pupil amount from the prior fiscal year.
(4)    “Prior year appropriation” means the State appropriation to the Maryland School for the Blind in the prior fiscal year less any funding provided under § 8–311(d) of this subtitle in the prior fiscal year.
(5)    “Target per pupil foundation amount” means the figure calculated for each fiscal year by the Department in accordance with § 5–202 of this article.
(6)    “Weighted enrollment growth” means the product of 0.2 times the change in the 4–year average annual full–time equivalent enrollment from the 3rd through the 6th prior school years to the 2nd through the 5th prior school years divided by the 4–year average annual full–time equivalent enrollment from the 3rd through the 6th prior school years.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Maryland School for the Blind shall receive an appropriation equal to or greater than the sum of:
(i)    75% of the prior year appropriation multiplied by the product of:
1.    The sum of the weighted enrollment growth plus one; and
2.    The sum of the growth in the target per pupil foundation amount plus one; and
(ii)    25% of the prior year appropriation multiplied by the sum of the weighted enrollment growth plus one.
(2)    The minimum appropriation required under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be reduced to the extent reductions are made to the administrative expenses of the Maryland School for the Blind.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-314 - Maryland School for the Blind -- Budget Submitted by Governor

For information purposes, the budget submitted by the Governor to the General Assembly shall include a detailed account of the operating and administrative budget for the Maryland School for the Blind in accordance with § 5–101 of this article, which shall include a complete list of revenue sources and expenditures for:
(1)    Salaries, wages, and fringe benefits;
(2)    Technical and special fees;
(3)    Communications;
(4)    Travel;
(5)    Contractual services;
(6)    Supplies and materials;
(7)    Equipment;
(8)    Fixed charges; and
(9)    Other expenses.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 8 - Special Programs for Exceptional Children › Subtitle 3 - Education of Blind Children › Section 8-315 - Maryland School for the Blind -- Eligibility of Funding Under Public School Construction Program

(a)    Notwithstanding § 4–114 of this article and subject to regulations adopted by the Interagency Commission on School Construction, for fiscal years 2013 through 2028, the Maryland School for the Blind shall be eligible for funding under the Public School Construction Program in accordance with Title 5, Subtitle 3 of this article.
(b)    The Interagency Commission on School Construction shall adopt regulations for funding school construction and school capital improvements at the Maryland School for the Blind in accordance with the requirements set forth in Title 5, Subtitle 3 of this article that apply to school construction and school capital improvement projects funded for county boards of education.