reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 7 - Collective Negotiations by Family Child Care Providers › Section 9.5-703 - Bargaining Unit

(a)    There shall be only one appropriate bargaining unit of family child care providers in the State.
(b)    Family child care providers may designate, in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle, which provider organization, if any, shall be the exclusive representative of all family child care providers in the State.
(c)    (1)    The election and certification of the exclusive representative of family child care providers shall be governed by the procedures set forth in Title 3, Subtitle 4 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
(2)    All elections shall be conducted by the State Labor Relations Board and subject to the requirements and limitations of Title 3, Subtitle 4 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
(3)    The State Labor Relations Board may not conduct an election for an exclusive representative if an election or certification of an exclusive representative has taken place within the preceding 2 years.
(4)    A provider organization designated as the exclusive representative shall represent all family child care providers in the State fairly and without discrimination, whether or not the family child care providers are members of the provider organization.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 7 - Collective Negotiations by Family Child Care Providers › Section 9.5-705 - Communication With State Officials on Matters of Interest

The certification of an exclusive representative of family child care providers by the Department does not prevent the certified provider organization or any other organization or individual from communicating with any State official on matters of interest, including appearing before or making proposals to the Department at a public meeting or hearing or at any other forum of the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 7 - Collective Negotiations by Family Child Care Providers › Section 9.5-706 - Strikes Prohibited

(a)    A provider organization may not call or direct a strike or other collective cessation of the delivery of services.
(b)    This subtitle may not be construed to grant any right, or imply that family child care providers have any right, to engage in a strike or other collective cessation of the delivery of services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 7 - Collective Negotiations by Family Child Care Providers › Section 9.5-707 - Construction of Subtitle

(a)    This subtitle may not be construed to make family child care providers employees of the State.
(b)    This subtitle may not alter in any way the role of parents in selecting, directing, and terminating the services of family child care providers.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 8 - Office of Child Care Advisory Council › Section 9.5-804 - Duties

The Council shall:
(1)    Advise and counsel the Early Childhood Development Division of the Department;
(2)    Review regulations proposed by State agencies regulating child care to ensure coordination and consistency;
(3)    Review issues and problems relating to care of children and suggest priorities for consideration by the Early Childhood Development Division; and
(4)    Identify interdepartmental issues of importance to child care providers and users that should be addressed by the Early Childhood Development Division and other State agencies.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 9 - Child Care Support Programs › Section 9.5-902 - Child Care Accreditation Support Fund -- Uses

(a)    There is a Child Care Accreditation Support Fund.
(b)    The Fund may only be used by the Office to:
(1)    Pay for the actual expense of an application fee for an approved accrediting organization on behalf of a provider; or
(2)    Reimburse a child care provider for a program improvement cost.
(c)    The Governor shall appropriate in the annual budget at least $1,000,000 for the Fund beginning in fiscal year 2021.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 9 - Child Care Support Programs › Section 9.5-903 - Child Care Incentive Grant Program -- Funding for Purchases

(a)    There is a Child Care Incentive Grant Program.
(b)    The Office may award funding to a child care provider through the program for the purpose of improving the child care provider’s quality of care through the purchase of Office approved:
(1)    Materials;
(2)    Equipment; or
(3)    Supplies.
(c)    For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2030, funding for the program shall increase by 10% over the prior fiscal year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 9 - Child Care Support Programs › Section 9.5-904 - Maryland Child Care Credential Program -- Individual Application for Credentials -- Award of Bonus or Voucher

(a)    There is a Maryland Child Care Credential Program.
(b)    An individual may apply to the Office for a staff credential, including a child development associate credential, or an administrator credential under this subsection.
(c)    If a person pursues, obtains, or already holds an Office approved credential, the Office may award to the individual:
(1)    An achievement bonus;
(2)    A training reimbursement; or
(3)    A training voucher.
(d)    (1)    The Governor shall appropriate $4,000,000 for the program for fiscal year 2021.
(2)    For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2024, funding for the program shall increase by 10% over the prior fiscal year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 9 - Child Care Support Programs › Section 9.5-905 - Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund -- Award of Funding -- Uses

(a)    There is a Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund.
(b)    The Office may award funding from the Fund to an individual who has:
(1)    Obtained at least a level 2 in the Maryland Child Care Credential Program under § 9.5–904 of this subtitle;
(2)    Documented at least 1 year of experience working with groups of children in an approved setting; and
(3)    Been accepted by an accredited college or university for enrollment in at least one course for credit toward a degree in early childhood education or related field.
(c)    An award under this section may only be:
(1)    Applied toward the cost of:
(i)    Tuition and fees; or
(ii)    Textbooks required by a course in which the awardee is enrolled; and
(2)    Used by the awardee for the actual expense of college coursework incurred subsequent to an award toward the completion of:
(i)    A college degree in early childhood education or related field; or
(ii)    Developmental coursework required to meet prerequisites for a degree program in early childhood education or related field.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 9 - Child Care Support Programs › Section 9.5-906 - Bonus Awards to Programs Participating in Maryland Excels Program

(a)    The Office shall award a program that participates in the Maryland EXCELS Program a bonus:
(1)    On initial publication of a quality rating level 1, 2, 3, or 4;
(2)    On each publication of a higher quality rating level after the initial publication;
(3)    On initial publication of a quality rating level 5; and
(4)    Annually on renewal and republication of a quality rating level 5.
(b)    (1)    The Governor shall appropriate in fiscal year 2023 $5,000,000.
(2)    For each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028, funding for the program shall increase by 10% over the prior fiscal year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 9 - Child Care Support Programs › Section 9.5-907 - Priority in Providing Awards to Certain Child Care Providers or Programs

Priority in providing awards under this subtitle shall be given to child care providers or programs that published a quality rating level of 2 in the Maryland EXCELS Program on or before June 30, 2022.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 9 - Child Care Support Programs › Section 9.5-908 - Department's Primary Contact Employee -- Duties

(a)    The Department shall designate a primary contact employee for early child care in the Office.
(b)    The Department’s primary contact employee shall be appointed by the Director of the Office.
(c)    The Department’s primary contact employee shall:
(1)    Assist child care providers and individuals to understand the process for publishing in EXCELS and improving quality rating; and
(2)    Actively assist child care providers and individuals to apply for accreditation and funds provided by this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 10 - Patricia H. Kirwan Family Support Services › Section 9.5-1001 - Terms Defined

(a)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Applicant” means a parent who has applied to receive services from a family support center in the network of community–based family support centers.
(c)    “Center” means a family support center operated by a provider under a contract with the Intermediary.
(d)    “Intermediary” means the Department or a designee of the Department that provides management for the operation of the State’s network of community–based family support centers.
(e)    (1)    “Parent” means the biological or adoptive parent of a child.
(2)    “Parent” includes a legal guardian of a child.
(f)    “Provider” means an agency or individual who contracts with the Intermediary to operate a center.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 10 - Patricia H. Kirwan Family Support Services › Section 9.5-1002 - Family Support Centers -- Services Provided to Parents and Their Children -- Location for Centers

(a)    A family support center shall be known as a “Patty Center”.
(b)    A family support center shall provide parents and their children with a hospitable and constructive environment and services that:
(1)    Improve parenting skills;
(2)    Develop the family as a functioning unit; and
(3)    Promote the growth and development of their children.
(c)    (1)    (i)    For fiscal year 2021, the State shall provide funding for six additional centers.
(ii)    For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2029, the State shall provide funding for three additional centers per fiscal year.
(2)    The Governor shall appropriate in each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030 $330,000 for each additional center required under this subsection.
(d)    The Department shall select the location for the centers funded under subsection (c) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 10 - Patricia H. Kirwan Family Support Services › Section 9.5-1003 - Services Provided by Center -- Other Possible Approved Services

(a)    A center shall provide services including:
(1)    Parental skills training, parent education classes, and other related activities;
(2)    Health care counseling;
(3)    Diagnostic and assessment services to identify a child’s potential developmental disabilities;
(4)    Child care for parents while parents are participating in center–based services;
(5)    Peer support activities, including recreational and social activities;
(6)    Educational services such as GED and postsecondary credentials; and
(7)    Pre–employment counseling and skill development to assist the parent in securing and maintaining employment.
(b)    A center shall provide services to a child and the child’s parents, grandparents, and other family members to the extent possible.
(c)    A center may provide other services if approved by the Intermediary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.5 - Division of Early Childhood Development › Subtitle 10 - Patricia H. Kirwan Family Support Services › Section 9.5-1004 - Provider Submits Plan to Intermediary -- Powers of Provider -- Parents Referred to Other Entities

(a)    Before operating a center, the provider shall submit to the Intermediary a plan that describes the:
(1)    Services to be provided;
(2)    Manner in which the services are provided; and
(3)    Staff who will provide services at the center and training for other staff.
(b)    The provider, in accordance with the plan:
(1)    Shall employ staff;
(2)    May recruit, train, and supervise volunteers; and
(3)    Shall operate the center during periods of time, including, if necessary, weekends and nights, to accommodate parents’ needs.
(c)    The plan shall describe the methods to be used to refer parents to other entities that provide services not available at the center.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.7 - Adult High School Pilot Program › Section 9.7-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Operator” means a private nonprofit entity that establishes a pilot under the Program.
(c)    “Pilot” means an adult high school established by an operator under the Program.
(d)    “Program” means the Adult High School Pilot Program.
(e)    (1)    “Wraparound services” means individualized services, excluding regular school programs and services, that are provided to the student and the student’s family.
(2)    “Wraparound services” includes:
(i)    Child care;
(ii)    Transportation;
(iii)    Housing referrals;
(iv)    Mental health;
(v)    Crisis intervention;
(vi)    Substance abuse prevention or treatment; and
(vii)    Legal aid.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.7 - Adult High School Pilot Program › Section 9.7-102 - General Consideration

(a)    There is an Adult High School Pilot Program.
(b)    The general purpose of the Program is to establish an alternative method for adults who did not graduate from high school to earn a high school diploma and potentially to earn postsecondary education credits and industry–recognized certification in an environment that meets the needs of the adult learner.
(c)    The Program is under the authority and supervision of the Department and the Maryland Department of Labor.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.7 - Adult High School Pilot Program › Section 9.7-103 - Pilots

(a)    The Department, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Labor, may approve up to six pilots.
(b)    A pilot established under the Program shall:
(1)    Operate from a fixed physical location;
(2)    Enroll students who:
(i)    Are 21 years old or older;
(ii)    Do not have a high school diploma; and
(iii)    Did not complete the requirements for high school graduation through GED testing or a National External Diploma program;
(3)    Enroll a maximum of 350 students;
(4)    Offer wraparound services necessary for the adult learner; and
(5)    Grant a Maryland high school diploma on completion of the required course of study.
(c)    When considering whether to approve a pilot under this section, the Department and the Maryland Department of Labor shall:
(1)    Give priority to a pilot located in a county or geographic area located within a county that has a high school attainment rate that is lower than the State average high school attainment rate;
(2)    Consider geographic diversity in locations for the pilots; and
(3)    Approve one pilot in a rural area for each two pilots approved in urban areas.
(d)    A pilot established under the Program is not a public school for public financing purposes under Title 5 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.7 - Adult High School Pilot Program › Section 9.7-105 - Operators

(a)    (1)    The Department and the Maryland Department of Labor shall establish qualifications for operators of pilots under the Program.
(2)    The qualifications shall, at a minimum, require an operator to:
(i)    Be registered as a nonprofit organization in the State;
(ii)    Have previous experience and measured success in providing education services to adult learners, including industry certification and job placement services;
(iii)    Have previous experience providing education services or workforce development services to adult learners who have been limited by educational disadvantages, a disability, a criminal record, or similar barriers to employment opportunities;
(iv)    Have secured financing to develop or the capability to secure financing for the development of a physical site for the pilot; and
(v)    Hire appropriately trained instructional personnel.
(3)    An operator may be a partnership of two or more persons that meet the qualifications required under this subsection.
(b)    (1)    The operator shall adopt written standards for the admission and dismissal of students.
(2)    The standards and any amendments shall be submitted to the Department and the Maryland Department of Labor for approval.
(c)    The operator may partner with:
(1)    A county board of education; or
(2)    A public institution of higher education in the State if the operator intends to provide course work for college credit.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.7 - Adult High School Pilot Program › Section 9.7-106 - Advisory Boards

(a)    An Advisory Board shall govern a pilot.
(b)    (1)    An Advisory Board shall consist of at least 11 members and not more than 25 members.
(2)    Of the Advisory Board members:
(i)    One shall be appointed by the Department;
(ii)    One shall be appointed by the Maryland Department of Labor; and
(iii)    The remaining members shall be selected in accordance with the bylaws of the pilot.
(c)    A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner in which the vacating member was appointed or selected.
(d)    The Advisory Board shall determine its officers.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.7 - Adult High School Pilot Program › Section 9.7-107 - Funding

(a)    The Program may provide grants to pilots approved under and operating in accordance with this title.
(b)    (1)    For fiscal year 2022, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill a federal fund or a general fund appropriation of $250,000 to the Program.
(2)    For fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill a federal fund or a general fund appropriation of $250,000 for each pilot approved and operating in accordance with this title.
(c)    The operator or Advisory Board of a pilot may apply for and accept donations, grants, or other financial assistance from a governmental entity or any nonprofit or other private organization.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.7 - Adult High School Pilot Program › Section 9.7-108 - Evaluations

(a)    An operator shall conduct an evaluation of the pilot each year.
(b)    The operator, after receiving approval of the Advisory Board, shall submit to the Department and the Maryland Department of Labor an evaluation report for the prior fiscal year that includes:
(1)    The academic and career progress of each student enrolled in the pilot; and
(2)    The pilot’s fiscal year financial report.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.7 - Adult High School Pilot Program › Section 9.7-109 - Reports

(a)    Beginning October 1, 2018, and on or before October 1 each year thereafter, the operator of a pilot shall submit to the Department and the Maryland Department of Labor the following information for the prior fiscal year:
(1)    Whether students enrolled in the pilot are on track for completion in a time determined to be reasonable by the Advisory Board of the pilot;
(2)    The academic levels of the students at the time of enrollment in the pilot;
(3)    The number of:
(i)    Credits students completed; and
(ii)    Students who completed and graduated from the pilot;
(4)    The academic progress of the students as measured by the student intake assessment instrument and the assessment instrument used;
(5)    The graduation rate;
(6)    The number of postsecondary education credits earned and the types of credits sought;
(7)    The number of industry credentials earned and the types of industry credentials; and
(8)    Any reported postgraduation employment.
(b)    On or before December 1, 2020, the Department and the Maryland Department of Labor shall jointly submit to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly a report that includes:
(1)    An evaluation of each pilot approved under this subtitle;
(2)    A recommendation as to expansion, continuation, modifications to, or termination of the Program;
(3)    Demographic information on student enrollment under the Program; and
(4)    The fiscal solvency of the Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.7 - Adult High School Pilot Program › Section 9.7-110 - Discontinuance of Program; Regulations

(a)    If the Department and the Maryland Department of Labor agree that the Program is not effective, the Department and Maryland Department of Labor shall send written notice to the pilots that the Program has been discontinued.
(b)    The Department and the Maryland Department of Labor shall jointly adopt regulations to implement the Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.9 - Community Schools › Section 9.9-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Community school” means a public school that establishes a set of strategic partnerships between the school and other community resources that promote student achievement, positive learning conditions, and the well–being of students, families, and the community by providing wraparound services.
(c)    “School–community partnership” means a partnership between a local school system or an existing public school and a community–based organization or agency for the purpose of planning and implementing a community school.
(d)    “Trauma–informed intervention” means a method for understanding and responding to an individual with symptoms of chronic interpersonal trauma or traumatic stress.
(e)    “Wraparound services” means:
(1)    Extended learning time, including before and after school, weekends, summer school, and an extended school year;
(2)    Safe transportation to and from school and off–site apprenticeship programs;
(3)    Vision and dental care services;
(4)    Establishing or expanding school–based health center services;
(5)    Additional social workers, mentors, counselors, psychologists, and restorative practice coaches;
(6)    Enhancing physical wellness, including providing healthy food for in–school and out–of–school time and linkages to community providers;
(7)    Enhancing behavioral health services, including access to mental health practitioners and providing professional development to school staff to provide trauma–informed interventions;
(8)    Providing family and community engagement and supports, including informing parents of academic course offerings, language classes, workforce development training, opportunities for children, and available social services as well as educating families on how to monitor a child’s learning;
(9)    Establishing and enhancing linkages to Judy Centers and other early education programs that feed into the school;
(10)    Enhancing student enrichment experiences, including educational field trips, partnerships, and programs with museums, arts organizations, and cultural institutions;
(11)    Improving student attendance;
(12)    Improving the learning environment at the school; and
(13)    Any professional development for teachers and school staff to quickly identify students who are in need of these resources.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.9 - Community Schools › Section 9.9-102 - Purpose

The purpose of a community school is to help students and families overcome the in–school and out–of–school barriers that prevent children from learning and succeeding over the course of their lives by having an integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and family and community engagement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.9 - Community Schools › Section 9.9-103 - Established; Responsibilities

(a)    There are community schools in the State.
(b)    A community school shall:
(1)    Promote active family and community engagement, including educational opportunities for adults and family members of students at the school who live in the neighborhood of the school;
(2)    Have a community school coordinator, as described under § 9.9–104 of this title;
(3)    Promote expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities provided after school, during weekends, and in the summer that emphasize mastering 21st–century skills through practical learning opportunities and community problem–solving;
(4)    Promote collaborative leadership and practices that empower parents, students, teachers, principals, and community partners to build a culture of professional learning, collective trust, and shared responsibility using strategies such as site–based leadership teams and teacher learning communities;
(5)    Have a parent teacher organization or a school family council; and
(6)    Have a community school leadership team.
(c)    (1)    There shall be a Director of Community Schools in the Department.
(2)    The Director of Community Schools in the Department shall coordinate professional development for community school coordinators at each community school.
(3)    In addition to the funding provided for the Director of Community Schools position in the Department, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $100,000 to the Department for the Director of Community Schools to provide training and technical assistance to community schools and for additional staff.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.9 - Community Schools › Section 9.9-104 - Community School Coordinator

(a)    (1)    A community school shall have an experienced and qualified community school coordinator who:
(i)    Is hired at the appropriate administrative level;
(ii)    Understands, respects, and demonstrates a high degree of cultural awareness of and competency in the diversity in the community and in cross–cultural practice with stakeholders; and
(iii)    May be employed by the school district.
(2)    A community school coordinator may be a social worker.
(b)    (1)    A community school coordinator shall be responsible for:
(i)    Establishing a community school;
(ii)    Completing an assessment of the needs of the students in the school for appropriate wraparound services to enhance the success of all students in the school;
(iii)    Developing an implementation plan based on the assessment of needs for the community school, in cooperation with other interested stakeholders; and
(iv)    Coordinating support programs that address out–of–school learning barriers for students and families, including:
1.    Wraparound services; and
2.    As appropriate:
A.    Tutoring;
B.    English language learner courses;
C.    Early childhood development and parenting classes;
D.    College and career advising;
E.    Employment opportunities;
F.    Citizenship education;
G.    Food pantries; and
H.    School–based behavioral and physical health services.
(2)    The needs assessment completed under this subsection shall:
(i)    Be completed in collaboration with:
1.    The principal;
2.    A school health care practitioner; and
3.    A parent teacher organization or a school council;
(ii)    Include an assessment of the physical, behavioral, and mental health needs and wraparound service needs of students, their families, and their communities; and
(iii)    Be submitted to the Department and the local school system within 1 year of receiving a personnel grant under § 5–223 of this article or within 1 year of becoming a community school.
(3)    The implementation plan completed under this subsection shall include:
(i)    A strategy for providing wraparound services to address the needs of the students, their families, and their communities, building on and strengthening community resources near the school;
(ii)    Inclusion, if possible and practicable, of community partners in geographic proximity to the school that can assist in meeting the needs identified in the assessment;
(iii)    Ensure that time is made available to train staff on the supports available, the need for the supports, and how to engage with the community schools coordinator to access these supports; and
(iv)    Develop strategies to maximize external non–State or non–local education funding.
(4)    (i)    The implementation plan shall be submitted to the local school system for approval within 1 year of completion of the needs assessment.
(ii)    After the implementation plan is approved by the local school system it shall be submitted to the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.9 - Community Schools › Section 9.9-105 - School-Community Partnership

(a)    Subject to the approval required under § 9.9–106 of this title, a local school system or an existing public school may form a school–community partnership for the planning and implementation of a community school.
(b)    A community school or the school’s community school coordinator may solicit the assistance and support of community partners when fulfilling the requirements of this title, including local management boards created under Title 8, Subtitle 3 of the Human Services Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.9 - Community Schools › Section 9.9-106 - Approval and Implementation

(a)    This section does not apply to a community school that receives funding under § 5–223 of this article.
(b)    A local school system shall review and approve a community school.
(c)    A community school may not be implemented without the approval of a local school system.
(d)    Local governments are expected to demonstrate support for a community school through meaningful partnerships and support that is supplemental to and does not supplant existing efforts.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.9 - Community Schools › Section 9.9-107 - Funding; Eligible Interventions; Academic Services; Assistance and Support

(a)    This section does not apply to a community school that receives funding under § 5–223 of this article.
(b)    A local school system shall make public school funding available to a community school.
(c)    Eligible interventions for which a community school may receive funding include academic services, parental involvement programs, physical and behavioral health services, and community involvement programs.
(d)    (1)    Academic services include:
(i)    Academic support and enrichment activities;
(ii)    Counseling;
(iii)    Job training, internship opportunities, higher education advising, and career, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities;
(iv)    Programs that provide assistance to students who are chronically absent, tardy, suspended, or expelled;
(v)    Specialized instructional support services; and
(vi)    Early childhood education, including Head Start or Early Head Start.
(2)    Parental involvement programs include:
(i)    Programs that promote and encourage parental involvement and family literacy;
(ii)    Parent leadership development and advocacy activities; and
(iii)    Parenting education activities.
(3)    Physical and mental health services include:
(i)    Mentoring and other youth development services, including after school and summer learning opportunities and services;
(ii)    Juvenile justice system involvement prevention, reentry, rehabilitation, and restorative practices;
(iii)    Home visitation services;
(iv)    Developmentally appropriate physical education;
(v)    Nutrition services;
(vi)    Primary health and dental care; and
(vii)    Mental health and counseling services.
(4)    Community involvement programs include:
(i)    Service and service–learning opportunities;
(ii)    Adult education, including English as a second language classes;
(iii)    Homelessness prevention and permanent housing services; and
(iv)    Other services designed to meet the needs of the community school and the community as identified by the community school leadership team and in accordance with the plan developed under § 9.9–104(b) of this title.
(e)    A community school or the community school coordinator may solicit the assistance and support of community partners when fulfilling the requirements of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.10 - Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education › Section 9.10-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Inspector General” means the Inspector General in the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education.
(c)    “Office” means the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.10 - Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education › Section 9.10-102 - Office Established

(a)    There is a Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education.
(b)    The Office is an independent unit of the State.
(c)    The purpose of the Office is to provide accountability and transparency in the expenditure of public funds for education in the State.
(d)    All expenses and operations related to the administration of the Office shall be separately identified and independent of any other unit of State government.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.10 - Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education › Section 9.10-103 - Inspector General

(a)    There is an Inspector General in the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education.
(b)    (1)    An individual is eligible to be the Inspector General only if the individual executes an affidavit stating that the individual will not accept appointment to, or be a candidate for, a State or local office:
(i)    During the period of service as the Inspector General; and
(ii)    For at least 3 years immediately after the individual last serves as the Inspector General.
(2)    The Inspector General shall renew the affidavit every 2 years during the period of service.
(3)    A failure to renew the affidavit under this subsection shall subject the Inspector General to removal from office under this section.
(c)    (1)    The Inspector General shall be appointed unanimously by the Governor, the Attorney General, and the State Treasurer, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2)    The term of the Inspector General is 5 years, beginning July 1 after the appointment of the Inspector General.
(3)    At the end of a term, the Inspector General shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed.
(4)    If a vacancy occurs in the Office, an Interim Inspector General shall be appointed as a successor to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(d)    The Inspector General may be removed unanimously by the Governor, the Attorney General, and the State Treasurer for:
(1)    Misconduct in office;
(2)    Persistent failure to perform the duties of the Office; or
(3)    Conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice.
(e)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Inspector General shall be professionally qualified through experience or education in at least one of the following areas:
(i)    Law;
(ii)    Auditing;
(iii)    Government operations;
(iv)    Financial management; or
(v)    Education policy.
(2)    If the Inspector General is professionally qualified in the area of education policy, the Inspector General also shall be professionally qualified through experience or education in at least one of the other areas listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(f)    (1)    The Inspector General is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.
(2)    Funding for the Office shall be as provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.10 - Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education › Section 9.10-105 - Reports

(a)    On or before December 1 each year, the Office shall submit a report to the State Superintendent, the State Board, the Interagency Commission on School Construction, the Governor, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.
(b)    The report shall include information on:
(1)    The Office’s goals and priorities for the upcoming year;
(2)    The Office’s activities during the preceding year;
(3)    The number of incidents, in the aggregate, and a general summary of the nature of the reported incidents, referred to the appropriate federal, State, or local law enforcement authority, local State’s Attorney’s office, Office of the Attorney General, Office of the State Prosecutor, or federal agency during the preceding year;
(4)    Specific findings and recommendations relating to:
(i)    Instances of fraud, waste, or abuse involving the use of public funds and property;
(ii)    Violations of the civil rights of students or employees;
(iii)    Policies and procedures related to child abuse and neglect and compliance with applicable federal and State laws; and
(iv)    Compliance with other applicable federal and State laws; and
(5)    Any regulatory or statutory changes necessary to ensure compliance with applicable federal and State laws.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.11 - Maryland Farm-to-School Meal Grant Pilot Program. [Effective Until July 1, 2026] › Section 9.11-101 - Definitions.

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2026 PER CHAPTER 480 OF 2022 //
(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Fund” means the Maryland Farm–to–School Meal Grant Fund.
(c)    “Local” means an agricultural product grown, harvested, produced, or processed from a certified local farm enterprise.
(d)    “Pilot program” means the Maryland Farm–to–School Meal Grant Pilot Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.11 - Maryland Farm-to-School Meal Grant Pilot Program. [Effective Until July 1, 2026] › Section 9.11-102 - Maryland Farm-to-School Meal Grant Pilot Program -- Purpose. [Effective Until July 1, 2026]

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2026 PER CHAPTER 480 OF 2022 //
(a)    There is a Maryland Farm–to–School Meal Grant Pilot Program in the Department.
(b)    The purpose of the pilot program is to incentivize the production, procurement, and provision of local foods in school meals by awarding grants in accordance with this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education › Title 9.11 - Maryland Farm-to-School Meal Grant Pilot Program. [Effective Until July 1, 2026] › Section 9.11-103 - Maryland Farm-to-School Meal Grant Fund -- Funding -- Grants to Eligible School Districts -- Priority to Certain School Districts. [Effective Until July 1, 2026]

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2026 PER CHAPTER 480 OF 2022 //
(a)    There is a Maryland Farm–to–School Meal Grant Fund.
(b)    The Department, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, shall administer the Fund.
(c)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(d)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and
(2)    Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(e)    (1)    The Fund shall be used to award grants to eligible school districts to implement the Maryland Farm–to–School Meal Grant Pilot Program.
(2)    A local school district is eligible to receive a grant award from the Fund if the local school district operates reimbursable federal nutrition programs.
(f)    (1)    The Department shall award grants from the Fund in accordance with this section to eligible local school districts in an amount equivalent to 20 cents for each meal that the school district expects to offer that will include a local food component.
(2)    The local school district may determine the meals, participating schools, and time frame for which the local school district may include a local food component.
(3)    A local school district may use grant money for the purchase, processing, procurement, staffing, or infrastructure investments needed to meet the number of meals with a local food component.
(g)    In awarding grants under this section, the Department shall prioritize local school districts that:
(1)    Demonstrate how meal reimbursements would support the development, cultivation, and longstanding commitment to the incorporation of local food components into school meals; and
(2)    Demonstrate arrangements that support minority or socially disadvantaged producers, processors, distributors, or businesses.
(h)    (1)    On or before July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Department shall submit an interim report to the General Assembly that provides an evaluation of the pilot program.
(2)    On or before July 1, 2025, the Department shall submit a final report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the pilot program, including a recommendation on whether or not the pilot program should be continued.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 10 - Definitions and Maryland Charter for Higher Education › Subtitle 2 - Maryland Charter for Higher Education › Section 10-202 - Principles on Which Public Higher Education Based

Public higher education in Maryland should be based on the following principles:
(1)    The people of Maryland expect quality in all aspects of public higher education: teaching, research, and public service;
(2)    Public higher education should be accessible to all those who seek and qualify for admission;
(3)    Public higher education should provide a diversity of quality educational opportunities;
(4)    Adequate funding by the State is critical if public higher education is to achieve its goal;
(5)    The people of Maryland are entitled to efficient and effective management of public higher education; and
(6)    The people of Maryland are entitled to capable and creative leadership in public higher education.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 10 - Definitions and Maryland Charter for Higher Education › Subtitle 2 - Maryland Charter for Higher Education › Section 10-203 - Funding; Financial Aid Programs

(a)    It is the goal of the State that public senior higher education institutions be funded at 100 percent of funding guidelines developed by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
(b)    Funding policies shall allocate State resources efficiently while providing incentives for quality and institutional diversity.
(c)    Funding proposals for public senior higher education institutions shall include:
(1)    Base funding in accordance with the role and mission of the institution, as approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission;
(2)    Special initiative funding:
(i)    For academic programs at historically African American colleges and universities; and
(ii)    For the reward of academic innovation and enhancement; and
(3)    Capital funding to support construction, operation, and maintenance of a physical plant that is consistent with each institution’s mission.
(d)    (1)    Funding proposals for regional higher education centers may include:
(i)    Ongoing operating support to provide access to affordable postsecondary education in unserved and underserved areas of the State;
(ii)    Incentive funding to promote collaboration among the institutions of higher education and regional higher education centers; and
(iii)    Capital funding to support construction, operation, and maintenance of a physical plant consistent with the approved mission statement of the center.
(2)    Operating funds for each regional higher education center that is administered by the University System of Maryland shall be included in the appropriation of the system office as a separate line item in the Governor’s operating budget.
(e)    Student financial aid programs should be developed in order to provide reasonable access to the appropriate academic programs for individuals who exhibit financial need, who are educationally disadvantaged, or who exhibit special merit.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 10 - Definitions and Maryland Charter for Higher Education › Subtitle 2 - Maryland Charter for Higher Education › Section 10-204 - Duties of Public Institutions of Higher Education Generally

Public institutions of higher education shall:
(1)    Provide postsecondary education to students;
(2)    Transmit culture and extend knowledge through general higher education;
(3)    Teach and train students for careers and advanced study;
(4)    Protect academic freedom;
(5)    Promote civic responsibility;
(6)    Enhance economic development of the State through research, training, and extension services to business and industry;
(7)    Provide public services for citizens of the State; and
(8)    Assure that women and minorities are equitably represented among faculty, staff, and administration, so that the higher education community reflects the diversity of the State’s population.