LEONARDTOWN, Md. – Dec. 18, 2024 – Southern Maryland teachers, students, parents, and educational leaders met this month with the Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Executive Program to discuss implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Act, legislation passed in 2021 to enhance Maryland’s public school system. The meeting was held at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Prince Frederick Campus.

Educational leaders from throughout the Southern Maryland region and the state set the stage for the day’s discussion by providing updates on Blueprint implementation with particular emphases on Pillars 2 and 3, which focus on high-quality and diverse teachers and on student college and career readiness. Funding for the reforms continues to be a central concern and challenge for local school districts and the state, but K-12 and higher education leaders emphasized how strengthened partnerships among the counties’ public schools, the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM), and the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland have brought valuable resources and opportunities to students and teachers. For example, CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson and SMCM President Dr. Tuajuanda Jordan described expanded internship and other career development opportunities, including in the field of teacher education.

Teachers and students from public and private high schools also met with LSM to share their perspectives on education in Southern Maryland. Whereas earlier conversations centered mostly on funding and curricula, teachers and students spotlighted the importance, in our fast-paced, busy world, of investing time in strengthening relationships with students to promote their success. “There is no greater calling, in my opinion, than the (mind and heart) education of our young people,” said Dr. Nathan Kimbro, a special education teacher at Calvert High School in Prince Frederick. “We are at a critical time where the landscape of public education is changing rapidly, and the needs of young people are growing exponentially. It will take entire community engagements to address all of the needs of our young people and our educators.”

“Honestly, I was not initially excited about a full-day session on education,” said Stephanie St. Peter, Director of Talent Acquisition at ASEC, a defense contractor in Lexington Park. “I knew I’d gain some insights, but my kids are out of the local school system now, and education isn’t as much of a hot button of mine. Fast forward … I left the session with a fresh perspective on education as a whole and a deepened appreciation for the teachers and administrators who work tirelessly to provide our local children with the best possible education.”

Leadership Southern Maryland’s flagship Executive Program is an interactive and life-enriching nine-month, tuition-based “behind-the-scenes” experience designed to enhance the collaborative abilities of our region’s top senior professionals. LSM welcomes executives representing diverse geographic locations, industries, professions, ethnicities, genders, and other backgrounds who are committed to addressing the community needs of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.