Nearly 890,000 public school students attend one of Maryland’s more than 1,400 public schools each year under the supervision of one of more than 3,500 school leaders spread across the state’s 24 jurisdictions. But with two statewide education-related boards now operating, it begs the question: Who is really in charge? That question is one the Senate Committee on the Education, Energy and the Environment sought clarity on during a briefing on kindergarten through 12th grade school governance Wednesday... “Our (local school systems) have received some conflicting and confusing messages from (Maryland State Department of Education) and the (Accountability and Implementation Board) when it comes to Blueprint implementation,” said Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, R-Wicomico, referring to the state’s multi-billion dollar education law starting implementation this year. The Accountability and Implementation Board has responsibilities tied to local jurisdictions’ funding.   Excerpted from   Who's really in charge of Maryland's education policy? Lawmakers meet to tackle question Dwight A. Weingarten The Herald-Mail For the full article, follow this link:  A key question for Maryland: Who's in charge of education policy? (heraldmailmedia.com)   For another perspective, see this article in Maryland Matters:  Senate committee holds briefing on Maryland’s public education system, updates on Blueprint plan - Maryland Matters

When approved back in January a surplus was projected but now six months later a budget deficit has been discovered. 47ABC News spoke with state Senator Mary Beth Carroza who called the Deficit extremely concerning. She explained that the major cause of the financial disparity is the hefty cost that comes with the new educational blueprint along with federal funding that is no longer being provided to the state.... For the full Story on WMDT, click below: Maryland Budget Deficit - 47abc (wmdt.com)

From WGMD Senator Mary Beth Carozza continues to call for a Special Session of the Maryland General Assembly to stop Maryland’s automatic 10 percent gas tax increase which went into effect on July 1st. She also renewed her support for the Special Session to act on legislation to address Maryland’s gun violence... Click below for full story. Maryland Senator Calls for Special Session to Reduce Gas Tax and Address State’s Gun Violence – WGMD

Carozza Appointed to the Apprenticeship 2030 Commission ANNAPOLIS, MD - Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-District 38) has accepted an appointment made by Senator President Bill Ferguson to serve on the Apprenticeship 2030 Commission.The purpose of the commission, established by the passage of Senate Bill 104 in the 2023 Maryland General Assembly Session, is to examine and make recommendations to reduce skill shortages in high-demand occupations and provide affordable training for career pathways for young people. “I constantly hear about the shortage of skilled and trained employees, and this appointment will allow me to continue to work with local industry, students and community leaders with an apprenticeship focus to meet the needs of the employers while keeping our young talent right here on the Shore,” said Carozza who has worked on this general priority with Shore employers, local technology high schools, Wor-Wic Community College, and the Tri-County Council since she was elected as a Delegate in 2014. Carozza noted workforce shortages in all the major industries, and that the work on the Apprentice Commission will be focused on expanding registered apprenticeships to 60,000 by2030 and reaching the goal for 45 percent of high school graduates to complete the high school level of a registered apprenticeship. Other Maryland Senators appointed to the Commission include Senate President Pro Tem Malcolm Augustine (D- District 47, Prince Georges); Senate Budget Committee Vice Chair Jim Rosapepe (D-District 21, Prince Georges and Anne Arundel); and Senator Arthur Ellis (D-District 28, Charles County).  The Commission will report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly December 1, 2023.

MARYLAND – Maryland State Senator Mary Beth Carozza was awarded honorary membership into the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League. She was honored for her support of the military and our veterans. See the photo: Senator Carozza awarded honorary membership - 47abc (wmdt.com)  

For the full story from OC Today newspaper, Click Here: Scholarship 2023   A total of 42 Worcester Preparatory School seniors officially closed their last chapter of high school on May 26. According to a news release, the graduating class included 12 “lifers,” or students who have been attending the Berlin private school since pre-kindergarten. Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) was the graduation speaker and presented senior Olivia Mattingly with a Maryland Senatorial Scholarship. Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38) presented Mattingly with a Maryland House of Delegates Scholarship.