District News

Board Approved FY22 Budget

In a special meeting held on June 2, the Talbot County Board of Education approved the school district’s operating budget for the 2021-2022 school year in the amount of $60,374,913. 

The Talbot County Council passed the FY2022 Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance on May 25, 2021.  This provided Maintenance of Effort (minimum funding) for the schools plus $281,198 in additional funding to continue all-day Pre-Kindergarten and provide for an instructor for the new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Career and Technical Education program.

The school district’s March 31, 2021 amended budget request in the amount of $61,565,510 had already reflected a reduction of $2,000,000 from their original request. At its June 2nd meeting, the board made the necessary $1,190,597 in additional cuts through cost reductions, purchases prepaid in FY21, and costs shifted to grants.  Now this approved budget will go to the Talbot County Council for final approval.

School District officials affirmed their commitment to the priorities outlined by parents through the annual budget survey, which included maintaining lower class size, competitive pay for staff, social-emotional learning, updates to curriculum and technology, and increased security. 

“We passed a needs-based budget tonight that had been cut by more than $3,000,000 from the original requests made by school principals, teachers, and other staff,” said Board of Education President Susan Delean-Botkin.  “These requests were based on their most basic needs.  We have accepted this budget in hopes that in the future we can better provide for the growth and development of all of our students and staff.”

“We are planning and budgeting for a full return to school with the implementation of the new Strive for 2025 strategic plan,” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent of Schools. The plan reflects feedback received from parents surveyed, which encompasses four major areas of opportunity after the completion of the 2020 Vision Strategic Plan:

  • Recruitment, promotion, and retention of staff
  • Academic equity and achievement
  • Early childhood learning readiness for success
  • Social and Emotional Learning Support services

 

“We are grateful to our community for their support of our students and staff as we continue our commitment to provide the best education possible for all of our students and prepare them to graduate ready to advance to college or a career,” Dr. Griffith added.

Superintendent’s Update 9/21/23

We are back in full swing in our classrooms and on our athletic fields! I hope you’ll come out and support our Fall athletes at Easton High and St. Michaels High!This week some of our students joined me in participating in the county’s September 11th Commemoration here in downtown Easton. This is always a very somber and reflective event, and our students did a fantastic job.

I have LOVED being back in our school buildings with all of our students and staff these last few days! A terrific group of new teachers and Instructional Assistants has joined our outstanding team of educators; our Operations Team has worked hard to make sure that our buildings are SPARKLING; and our Transportation Team is back on the road to ensure our children arrive at school safely!

Superintendent’s Update 9/14/23

We are back in full swing in our classrooms and on our athletic fields! I hope you’ll come out and support our Fall athletes at Easton High and St. Michaels High!This week some of our students joined me in participating in the county’s September 11th Commemoration here in downtown Easton. This is always a very somber and reflective event, and our students did a fantastic job.

I have LOVED being back in our school buildings with all of our students and staff these last few days! A terrific group of new teachers and Instructional Assistants has joined our outstanding team of educators; our Operations Team has worked hard to make sure that our buildings are SPARKLING; and our Transportation Team is back on the road to ensure our children arrive at school safely!

Talbot 9-11 Day to Remember

TCPS was honored to be a part of the Talbot County 9-11 Day to Remember ceremony this morning. What a beautiful community event with performances by the Easton Middle School

Superintendent’s Update 9/7/23

We had a fantastic first week of school, and I want to thank all of our TCPS Students and Families for their support and enthusiasm. We are grateful to the many community organizations who provided school supplies, backpacks, and other basic necessities so that all of our students are equipped for another great year of learning.

Superintendent’s Update 8/31/23

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I am so excited to begin my second year as your Superintendent, as we continue Transforming and Performing Each Day!

I have LOVED being back in our school buildings with all of our students and staff these last few days! A terrific group of new teachers and Instructional Assistants has joined our outstanding team of educators; our Operations Team has worked hard to make sure that our buildings are SPARKLING; and our Transportation Team is back on the road to ensure our children arrive at school safely!

Dress Code & Cell Phone Policy Updates

UPDATES TO DRESS CODE AND CELL PHONE REGULATIONS The purpose of these regulations is to provide an environment that: DRESS CODE REGULATIONS The following may not be worn at school: