"As a history teacher, coach, and youth athletics director, the Speaker inspired future generations in classrooms, on playing fields, and on the House floor. He has been a natural mentor. He translated that energy into legislation and budgets that propelled our public schools to the top of the country, especially in delivering the funding needed to implement the Thornton Bridge to Excellence funding formula and secure generation-shaping advances in school construction."

“Teachers and other educators will see their largest raise since the 2008 recession. Our schools will hire more special educators and paraprofessionals to help struggling learners and students with disabilities. More than 200 high-poverty schools will become ‘community schools’ where wrap-around services such as counseling and healthcare will break down economic barriers to learning. This bipartisan legislation is a bold first step toward Maryland’s future success," said MSEA President Cheryl Bost.