Educational Partnership
Baltimore County provides a breadth of educational options for all constituents, including:
- High quality early childhood programs
- 175 Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and programs
- Five higher education institutions, some of which are nationally recognized, and include:
- Innovative workforce development and personal growth pathways, including multiple workforce centers and a mobile center
- A variety of educational programs embedded in recreation and senior centers
OVERSIGHT, TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
BCPS is an independent state agency operating under the authority of the BCPS Board of Education and the Maryland State Department of Education. The County Executive approves the budget for the public school system. The day-to-day management of the system is overseen by the Baltimore County School Board and school superintendent.
READ THE EFFICIENCY REVIEW REPORT
As part of former County Executive administration's commitment to improving transparency, accountability and efficiencies in all Baltimore County Government agencies, the former County Executive Olszewski commissioned a comprehensive efficiency review of these agencies and Baltimore County public schools. View the full report.
BUDGET
The County Executive reviews, amends and approves the operating and capital budgets submitted by BCPS and CCBC. The budget is then submitted to the County Council for final consideration and approval. Once the budget is approved, BCPS and CCBC have full authority over the line item management of the allocated budget.
As a former student member of the Board of Education, educator and parent to a BCPS student, former County Executive Olszewski understands the importance of excellent school systems. Since taking office, former County Executive Olszewski has provided record funding for education, including:
- 2022 Budget—Former County Executive Olszewski has consistently funded BCPS well over the mandatory maintenance of effort (MOE) level of funding. In FY22, he provided historic funding for K through 12 public education, by providing the largest amount of funding over MOE—over $40 million—for BCPS.
- 2022 Capital Budget—Provides $200 million dollars in capital funding to schools.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The County Executive oversees all land and assets owned by the Baltimore County Government. Former County Executive Olszewski committed over $58 million dollars to BCPS school capital construction in 2022 in order to complete "Schools for Our Future."
In addition, he commissioned the Multi Year Improvement Plan for All Schools (MYIPAS)—a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind plan that evaluated all public schools and provided a 15-year roadmap for capital improvements. This plan ensures that within 15 years, all schools will receive the maintenance, upgrades, renovations/replacements needed to ensure that children learn in safe and equitable, 21st-century learning environments and school buildings.
LEGISLATION AND POLICY
The County Executive sets legislation and policies that improve outcomes for residents. As a staunch advocate for education, the County Executive has improved educational opportunities in Baltimore County through a broad portfolio of legislation and policies tackling the equity, access and fiscal barriers to education. These include:
- Expanding the College Promise Program to allow over 500 Baltimore County students to attend college
- Increasing funding for the Early College Access program for Baltimore County high school students
- Expanding the Youth Employment program
- Eliminated overdue fines for all Baltimore County Public Library patrons in order to ensure that all residents have access to libraries
- Enhanced and expanded workforce development centers, senior centers, and recreation and parks spaces
- Other operating and capital investments in schools and libraries
The County Executive continues to support legislation that will improve oversight, accountability, equity and access for all public school institutions. In addition, the County Executive continues to provide record investments in the lifelong learning and workforce development of Baltimore County residents.
APPOINTING KEY PERSONNEL
The County Executive hires or appoints key personnel. The County Executive has the authority to hire the executive leadership team, including the Director of Educational Partnership. The County Executive also appoints an At-Large member and Chair of the Board of Education Nominating Commission. All other Nominating Commission appointments are managed by nominating affiliates.
The Board of Education oversees the contract negotiations, hiring and evaluation of the school superintendent. The Board of Education also approves all human resources matters brought forth for consideration by the school superintendent.