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In the last month, I have continued to discover who we are and what our aspirations are for the future of our school system through our Community Conversations. Today we have conducted three sessions in the evenings along with one “all hands on deck” session. In total we have engaged approximately 415 people in getting in the process. We will have 2 more evening sessions for the community at large. The next one will be this Wednesday evening at Rock Hall Elementary School at 6 p.m. and next Wednesday Nov. 20 at Kent County Middle School at 6 p.m. 

 

Additionally, a survey specifically regarding the budget will be electronically distributed for more detailed input from stakeholders. We will be zero basing our budget to design the July 1st (FY2026) budget to ensure funds are aligned optimally and to comply with the expectations of the Maryland Blueprint legislative requirements. As we move forward, I intend to provide the community with an overview of the budget to support increased transparency, accountability, and understanding of how our tax dollars are spent in educating our students. 

 

I want to thank our County Commissioners for their support of our Capital Improvement Plan related to the middle school project. I look forward to working with our state delegation to bring forward legislation that hopefully will help us with the funding necessary to build a new middle school. 

 

Additionally, this Wednesday marks the end of our first academic quarter. Before we know it, Thanksgiving will be here. I wish everyone a warm and rejuvenating Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones. 

 

Lastly, I want to recognize today as Veteran's Day. I am grateful for the service and sacrifice of our service men and women and their families. As a veteran myself, I understand personally the hardships endured in service to our nation. Because of the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, our nation persists in an ever-changing world.