CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Wicomico County Public Schools Educational Facilities Master Plan FY 2025
WICOMICO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION N. Eugene Malone, Jr., Chairman Allen C. Brown, Sr., Vice Chairman Susan W. Beauchamp Dr. Bonnie H. Ennis Kristin N. Hazel John Palmer David A. Plotts Micah C. Stauffer, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
www.wicomicoschools.org The Wicomico County Board of Education prohibits illegal discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, family/parental status, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, poverty and socioeconomic status, language, or other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other Title 36 designated youth groups. Discrimination undermines our community’s long-standing efforts to create, foster and promote equity, inclusion and acceptance for all. June 17, 2024 Mr. Jamie Bridges IAC Planning Manager Interagency Commission on School Construction 200 West Baltimore Street, Suite 200 Baltimore, MD 21201 Dear Mr. Bridges: Enclosed is Wicomico County Public School’s FY2025 Educational Facilities Master Plan. This document is an update and incorporates the latest information on each of our schools, revises our current and projected programs and addresses our facility needs. The EFMP was coordinated with the Wicomico County Planning and Zoning Department utilizing the 2017 Wicomico County Comprehensive Plan. Enrollment projections used in this report were coordinated with the Maryland Department of Planning. At a meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, the Wicomico County Board of Education approved the attached FY2025 Educational Facilities Master Plan as a working document. Should there be any questions or concerns on this matter, please contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you. Respectfully, Micah C. Stauffer, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
1 .EFMP Overview......................................................................................................9-17 1.1 EFMP Introduction............................................................................................11 1.2 EFMP Purpose...................................................................................................13 1.3 School Tracks....................................................................................................15 1.4 Map: Wicomico County Public School Locations...................................17 2 Educational Goals...............................................................................................19-52 2.1 WCBOE Educational Mission & Vision Policy..........................................21 2.2 Superintendent State of the Schools........................................................23 2.3 Educational Overview.............................................................................35-38 2.4 Educational Programs............................................................................39-52 3 Applicable Policies...........................................................................................53-102 3.1 Non-Discrimination Statement..................................................................55 3.2 Special Education...........................................................................................57 3.3 School Facility Retirement...........................................................................59 3.4 Staffing Ratios & Organization Patterns..................................................61 3.5 Student Transportation Policy.............................................................63-64 3.6 Student Transportation Procedure....................................................65-67 3.7 WCPS Student Attendance Area Guidelines....................................69-70 3.8 School Attendance Areas and Redistricting Policy..........................71-74 3.9 Assignment of Students to Schools...........................................................75 3.10 Special Permission Procedure.............................................................77-79 3.11 Attendance Boundary Maps (Elem, Middle, High).........................81-83 3.12 Individual School Boundary Maps...................................................85-102 4 Community Analysis.....................................................................................103-125 4.1 Community Analysis..............................................................................105-113 4.2 Wicomico County Map: Development Pattern.....................................115 4.3 Growth & School Facility Status................................................................117 4.4 Wicomico County Map: Priority Funding Areas...................................119 4.5 City of Salisbury: Residential Development...........................................121 4.6 Small Municipal Residential Development............................................123 4.7 Wicomico County Planning Approval Letter.........................................125 CONTENTS
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 5 Facility Inventory..............................................................................................127-209 5.1 Facility Inventory Analysis.....................................................................129-133 5.2 Facility Needs Index: Major Capital Improvement.................................135 5.3 Facility Needs Index: Systemic.....................................................................137 5.4 Scorecard Narrative........................................................................................139 5.41 FQI (scorecards) Maps....................................................................141-142 5.42 Scorecard/Facility Need Report - By School.........................143-199 5.5 Facilities Inventory IAC/PSCP Form 101.1........................................201-205 5.6 Facility Inventory Update Assurance Form 101.4 Superintendent Signed.........................................................................207-208 5.7 WCPS Regional Program Inventory...........................................................209 6 Enrollment & Capacity.....................................................................................211-267 6.1 WCPS Enrollment and Capacity Analysis..........................................213-217 6.2 Private & Home School Analysis.........................................................219-220 6.3 9/30 Superintendent Verification of Enrollment Form.......................221 6.4 MDP Data for Projected Enrollment.................................................223-232 6.5 WCPS Agreement with MDP Enrollment Letter....................................233 6.6 WCPS FTE Projected Enrollment.......................................................235-261 6.7 MDP Approval Letter.............................................................................263-264 6.8 WCPS Headcount/FTE Spreadsheet........................................................265 6.9 Non-Public School Sheet..............................................................................267 7 Facility Needs.....................................................................................................269-277 7.1 Overview..............................................................................................................271 7.2 General Planning Guidelines................................................................273-274 7.3 Future Facility Needs..............................................................................275-276 7.4 Facility Needs Summary IAC/PSCP Form 101.3......................................277
EFMP Overview 1 9
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EFMP INTRODUCTION 1.1 WicomicoCounty Public School (WCPS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Capital Improvement Program consists of two integral components, the FY2025 Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP) and the upcoming FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The EFMP is part of the comprehensive Every Student Succeeds Act Consolidated Strategic Plan1 with the fundamental purpose to increase student achievement and eliminate learning gaps for all students in all schools. The EFMP more specifically studies the issues affecting our Wicomico County Public School (WCPS) facilities in detail and creates a framework for prioritizing and scheduling major school projects. This process takes place over the course of the entire fiscal year and continually evolves as information is gathered or becomes available. The development of the WCPS EFMP involves several contributors ranging from community organizations, local employers, surrounding local municipalities, board of education members, various WCPS staff as well as county departments and council representatives. This EFMP contains six (6) main categories (see Figure 1), which cover the eight (8) topics outlined by the Interagency Commission on School Construction. 1 https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3724/WCPS/3159529/Wicomico_ESSA_Plan_12-15-22.pdf EFMP COMAR 14.39.02.02 Educational Goals Applicable Policies Community Analysis Facility Inventory Enrollment & Capacity Facility Needs 11
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WCPS prioritizes its school infrastructure and its associated facility planning in Wicomico County in conjunction with Wicomico County Government. Both groups recognize the critical role schools provide in supporting and maintaining a strong public educational system. Our schools also serve the needs of the surrounding community in many different ways. The state and the county continue to support WCPS efforts in maintaining these important assets by assisting with either new or renovated school facilities through various funding sources. As in years past, the needs of our schools continue to increase and have grown beyond the funds currently available. Although funding is limited due to fiscal constraints, WCPS continues to make a concerted effort to improve its school facilities. Two main questions regarding the adequacy of public schools are as follows: • How do schools support the instructional needs of public education and community use requirements? • How do schools meet the minimum standards required to maintain a healthy, safe learning environment for students and staff? These questions represent the overall guiding concepts of what WCPS addresses in our facility plans. WCPS buildings continue to age and student enrollments are projected to remain steady while funding for facility improvements remains limited. In spite of these difficulties,WCPS is committed to developing andmaintaining a long-range comprehensive plan that addresses these questions and other issues currently confronting WCPS schools. In order to address how we support instructional needs and community development in conjunction with various policies, it is necessary to clearly identify the issues affecting our school facilities. It is important to understand the current situation and even more critical to understand where things are headed in the next five to ten years. EFMP PURPOSE 1.2 13
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SCHOOL TRACKS 1.3 Wicomico County Public Schools Track Code Chart ‐ School Attendance Patterns Track PK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 011 X X X X ES ES ES Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 061 X X X GA GA GA GA Salisbury MS X X Parkside HS X X X 021 X X X X X X NS Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 022 X X X X X X 011 BR BR BR BR X X X Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 041 FP FP FP FP FI FI FI Bennett MS X X Parkside HS X X X 042 FP FP FP FP FI FI FI Bennett MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 062 CH CH CH X X X X Wicomico MS X X Parkside HS X X X 063 CH CH CH X X X X Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 064 CH CH CH X X X X Bennett MS X X Parkside HS X X X 072 WS WS WS WS X X X Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 073 WS WS WS WS X X X Salisbury MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 081 X X X X X X X Mardela MS X X Mardela HS X X X 091 X X X X X X X Salisbury MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 101 X X X X X X X Bennett MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 102 X X X X X X X Salisbury MS X X Parkside HS X X X 103 X X X X X X X Salisbury MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 111 WL WL WL WL WL X X Pittsville MS X X Parkside HS X X X 131 X X X X X X X Bennett MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 132 X X X X X X X Wicomico MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 133 X X X X X X X Bennett MS X X Parkside HS X X X 134 X X X X X X X Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 135 X X X X X X X Wicomico MS X X Parkside HS X X X 071 X X X X NS NS NS Salisbury MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 171 WP WP WP WI WI WI WI Salisbury MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 172 WP WP WP WI WI WI WI Mardela MS X X Mardela HS X X X 111 X X X X X PT PT Pittsville MS X X Parkside HS X X X BR Beaver Run NS North Salisbury CH Chipman PT Pittsville ES East Salisbury WS West Salisbury FI Fruitland Intermediate WI Westside Intermediate FP Fruitland Primary WP Westside Primary GA Glen Avenue WL Willards Prince Street Elementary Northwestern Elementary Pemberton Elementary Pinehurst Elementary Pinehurst Elementary Pinehurst Elementary Pittsville Elem./Middle Prince Street Elementary Prince Street Elementary West Salisbury Elementary Westside Schools Westside Schools Willards Elementary Prince Street Elementary Prince Street Elementary Delmar Middle & High School ‐ Delmar, DE 2 Letter School Abbreviations Updated for Middle School Balancing and Reopening of West Salisbury Effective SY2019 School Beaver Run Elementary Charles H. Chipman Elem. Delmar Elementary Delmar Elementary East Salisbury Elementary Fruitland Schools Fruitland Schools Glen Avenue Elementary Glen Avenue Elementary Glen Avenue Elementary North Salisbury Elementary North Salisbury Elementary 15
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MAP: WICOMICO COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL LOCATIONS 1.4 ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") # # # # ^ ^ ^ Delmar ES Bennett MS Chipman ES Wicomico HS Parkside HS Willards ES Prince St ES Mardela MS/HS Beaver Run ES Northwestern ES Pittsville ES/MS West Salisbury ES North Salisbury ES James M. Bennett HS Westside Primary ES Fruitlnd Primary ES Westside Intermediate ES Wicomico MS Glen Ave ES Salisbury MS Pinehurst ES Pemberton ES East Salisbury ES Fruitland Intermediate ES NANTICOKE RD E LINE RD OCEANGTWY MT HERMON RD OLD OCEAN CITY RD JOHNSONRD JERSEY RD ATHOL RD SALISBURYBYP DAGSBORORD SHAVOX RD LAWS RD ZION RD ALLENRD POWELLVILLERD WHITEHAVENRD WALLER RD NEWHOPE RD PEMBERT ON DR SHARPTOWNRD CROSS RD BETHELRD MELSONRD COOPER RD MORRIS RD TINGLE RD QUANTICO RD NAYLORMILL RD GUMBORO RD ST LUKES RD PORTERMILL RD W LINE RD SIXTY FOOT RD WANGO RD SNOWHILL RD FOOKS RD RIGGIN RD LOGCABINRD PARSONSBURGRD WESTRD WETIPQUINRD SPEARIN RD CAPITOLA RD PITTSVILLE RD AIRPORTRD WALNUT TREE RD ROCKAWALKINRD MAIN ST FRIENDSHIP RD NWESTRD ROYAL OAKRD RUMRIDGERD ADKINS RD STATE ST MUDDYHOLE RD S UPPERFERRY RD ROHMRD MT OLI VE RD RIVERSIDE DREXT REWASTI CO RD MORRIS LEONARDRD STAGERD BENT PINE RD JESTERVILLERD CHERRYWALKRD NORRIS TWILLEY RD FIRETOWERRD POPLARNECK RD COLLINS WHARFRD MARSH RD FORESTGROVERD FOSKEY LN OLD RAILROAD RD DOWNINGRD WEST ST ESHAM RD TWILLEYS BRIDGE RD CROOKEDOAKLN ROUNDSRD TEXAS RD COBBS HILL RD POWELL SCHOOL RD BOB SMITH RD SNETHENCHURCHRD POWELL RD LONGRIDGERD BEAR SWAMP RD BI-STATEBLVD BENDAVIS RD WARD RD UNIONCHURCHRD MT PLEASANT RD MEZICKRD HEAD OF CREEKRD BROWN RD SPRING HILL LN OLDBRADLEY RD HICKMAN LN NUTTERS NECKRD LITTLE LN SANDOMINGORD LITTLETON RD HOLT RD N SALISBURY BLVD JACKSON RD PURNELL CROSSINGRD OCEAN HWY DEEPBRANCHRD TAYLORS TRL N MAIN ST NORTHWOOD DR LAUREL RD SEYMORE RD GORDY MILL RD WASTE GATE RD TRUITT ST PHILLIPS RD SHOCKLEY RD POCOMOKE RD ZION CHURCHRD CAMPGROUND RD SHARPS POINT RD MIDDLETONRD COX RD WARREN RD PATEY LN WOODYARD RD TYASKIN RD HURLEYS NECK RD RAYNE RD BERRY RD JONES HASTINGS RD MAIN ST EXT NOBLE FARMRD E STATE ST BAPTIST CHURCH RD CARIOCARD GREEN LEWIS RD SCENIC DR RACE BRIDGERD OLDE FRUITLAND RD COTTMAN RD SHELL RD GUY WARD RD BOB KELLY RD GODDARD PKWY WEBB RD INSLEY DR E GORDY RD TAYLOR ST NINALN WELLS RD FOX LN LYNCH DR HAMDEN DR HONEYBEE LN SANDY HILL RD OLD OAK LN IRL LN YACHT CLUB RD BARNSDALE DR CARDINAL DR CANAL ST SCHOOL HOUSE RD LOPEZ LN FENTRAL AVE SPAR LN CANTER LN COVE RD STAR RD STABLE LN BEL AIR DR REGENCY DR MAY TWILLEY RD BONHILL DR SWAN RD CASHER WELLS RD DIVIDING RD ENGLE DR PINE ST OCEAN GTWY OCEANGTWY WANGORD OCEAN GTWY SALISBURY BYP £ ¤ 50 £ ¤ 13 £ ¤ 113 £ ¤ 113 £ ¤ 13 £ ¤ 113 £ ¤ 50 ST 24 ST 346 ST 354 ST 12 ST 349 ST 363 ST 350 ST 30 ST 352 ST 313 ST 26 ST 54 ST 347 ST 388 ST 331 ST 529 ST 353 ST 374 ST 610 ST 731 ST 531 ST 348 ST 30 ST 54 Tangier Sound Pocomoke River Quantico Creek Nassawango Creek Burnt Mil l Branch Pusey Br anch Cod Cree k Rewas tico Cree k Moni e Creek Baron Creek Campbel l Ditch Gum Branch Manok in Br anch Divi ding Creek Ki ngs Creek Loret ta Branch Mor ri s Bran ch Rossakatum Branch Ingem Gut Pol litts Branch Plum Creek Peters Creek Aydy l ot te Branch Fork Green Run Ol d M il l Branch Mi dd le Neck B ranch Sou th Prong Horsebri dge Creek B rewington Branch Wa rd Branch Sturges Creek Passerdyke Creek Holl y Branch Peggy Branch Manok in River South Fork Green Run Trui t t Branc h Bl ackwater Creek Taylor Branch Coonf oot Branch Br att on Creek Manumsco Creek Cowhouse Branch Tussocky Branch Broad Creek Figgs Di tc h Givens Br anc h Shil es Creek Andrews Br anch L itt l e Creek Mi l l er Branch C ampground Branch Owens Br anch Jobes Di t ch Back Cr eek Saunders Br anch Pokomoke Ri ver Mayer Br anch Tangs Creek Mi ddlet o wn Branch Mockingbi rd Cr eek Mount Ol ive B ranch Fivemi le B ranch Bal d Cypr ess Br anch Jackson Br anch Murr ay Branch Walston Br a nch We tip quin Creek Mi l l B ranch Waste Ga te Creek L i t t le Burn t Branch Pepper Pond Gi ll Br anch Coop er Branch Widow Hawkins Branch Tyaskin Cree k Beaverdam Creek Ter rap in Pond Gr een Run Shar ps Creek Lewis Prong Coty Cox Branch Somer set Creek James Br anch Adk ins Race Stone Cre ek Cutmaptico Creek Muddy Hol e Creek Dunn Cr eek Li tt l e Moni e Creek Dav i s Br anch Cherrybri dge Creek Ot ter Pond Br anch Co l l ins Gu t Pepper Branch Phi l l ips Di tc h Goose Creek Leonard Pond Run Raccoon Prong Ter ry Branch Chicamacomi co River Mi l l vi l le Cr eek Jones Creek North Fork Green Run Long Broug ht on Branch Acquango Br anch White Marsh Cr eek Owens Cr eek Beaverdam Br anch Gr een Hi l l Creek Denney Branch Ti l ghman Race Go rdys Branch Li tt le I nd ian Creek Rockawal ki ng Cr eek Bul l Run Gor don Branch Asherwood Branch Furnace Br anch Tur key Br anch Wi comico Creek Wi ndsor Cr eek Wesl ey Br anch Port er Mi l l Creek Pea cho rchard Creek Pi geonhouse Cr eek St ockey Gu t Li ne Cr eek Re wasti co Creek Pocomoke Ri ver Baron Cr eek Pocomoke Ri ver Jones Cr eek Ch icamacomi co Ri ver Pocomoke Ri ver Mi ll Branch James Br anch Baron Creek Nassawango Creek 4 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 Miles Wicomico County Public Schools, MD District Schools 2023-24 Data Sources: Wicomico County Public Schools, WCPS Map Created: March 2024, JC. 17
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Educat ional Goals 2 19
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WCBOE EDUCATIONAL MISSION & VISION POLICY 2.1 Wicomico County Board of Education Approval Status Index Code Title: Mission, Vision, Educational Philosophy and Beliefs BOE-GEN-PL-024 First Adopted: 09/09/77 Legal Review: 06/27/23 10/17/19 Approved Revisions: 07/11/23 11/12/19 08/13/13 03/11/97 Effective: 07/12/23 11/13/19 08/14/13 03/12/97 Page 1 of 1 WICOMICO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 101 LONG AVE, P.O. BOX 1538, SALISBURY, MD 21802 BOE-GEN-PL-024 Wicomico County Board of Education 1 Mission and Vision Policy 2 3 I. Mission Statement 4 The mission of the Wicomico County Public School (WCPS) system is to provide all students an 5 educational foundation and a set of skills which will enable them to become responsible and 6 productive citizens in our society. 7 8 II. Vision Statement 9 Our vision is to educate each student to his or her full potential. 10 11 III. Educational Philosophy 12 A. Public education in Wicomico County is based on the democratic principle that students have, by 13 right, the opportunity to develop their potential to the fullest. While the pursuit of education is a 14 right, a privilege and a responsibility that is shared by the school, the student, the home, and 15 religious and other community entities, the primary responsibility for this educational 16 development lies with the student and the school. 17 B. WCPS has a responsibility to develop an understanding of and a respect for diverse social, 18 economic, cultural and ethnic groups through the education of students. Equity in education is a 19 guiding principal of WCPS, thus the diversity of each individual must be respected. 20 C. Education in Wicomico County is concerned not only with the intellectual and skill development 21 of the students but also with other aspects of their growth. Since public education is a continuous 22 process, it is the responsibility of the school system to make its instructional program relevant to the 23 present as well as applicable and useful for the future. 24 D. In our school system, education should be a dynamic process subject to evaluation, revision and 25 updating of existing programs, as well as the implementation of new programs, based upon the 26 needs of students, the latest knowledge and current scientific information as to how individuals 27 learn. 28 E. It is acknowledged that individuals vary greatly in their needs and abilities. Consequently, the 29 school system has the obligation to provide diversified and well-balanced programs. 30 31 The Wicomico County Board of Education directs the Superintendent of Schools to develop, maintain, 32 and implement a strategic plan based upon the mission and vision of the Wicomico County Public School 33 system. 34 21
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 22
SUPERINTENDENT STATE OF THE SCHOOLS 2.2 6/5/2024 1 State of the Schools Dr. Micah C. Stauffer Superintendent of Schools MEET John Palmer Allen C. Brown Sr. N. Eugene Malone, Jr. Vice Chairman Board Chairman BOARD THE Susan Beauchamp David Plotts Dr. Bonnie Ennis Kristin Hazel 1 2 23
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 6/5/2024 2 Kimberly Miles Assistant Superintendent for Student & Family Services MEET THE TEAM Dr. Brian Raygor Dr. Rick Briggs Chief Finance & Operations Officer Chief Academic Officer "Earn your leadership every day." Michael Jordan Poverty English Learners Special Education At-Risk 59% 13% 10% 65% 38% 37% 15% 8% African-American White Hispanic Multi-Race Who we serve… 15,086 Students 3 4 24
6/5/2024 3 2 Primary Schools 29 Schools & Programs 3 High Schools 3 Middle Schools 1 Middle/High School 1 Birth to Five Program 1 Elementary/Middle School Who we are… 2 Intermediate Schools 12 Elementary Schools 1 Early Learning Transition Center 1 Alternative Program 1 Career & Technical Education 1 Evening High School - 20,000,000 40,000,000 60,000,000 80,000,000 100,000,000 120,000,000 140,000,000 160,000,000 180,000,000 200,000,000 Wicomico County Funding State Government Aid Other Sources of Income Revenue by Funding Source Last 15 Years 5 6 25
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 6/5/2024 4 7 College & Career Ready • More educational support for multilingual learners Governance & Accountability Recruiting High-Quality Teachers Early Childhood Education Blueprint for Maryland’s Future • More educational support for students with disabilities More Resources for Students • More resources for mental health and wellness • Better resources for students and families living in poverty • Encourage teachers to become a National Board Certified Teacher • Recruit more diverse teachers • Improve teacher training • Give teachers more professional support • Pay teachers higher salaries • Train all teachers in the Science of Reading • Prioritize slots for students with disabilities, non-English speakers, and homeless children • Expand PreK slots for 3 and 4-year-olds • Engage 45% of high schoolers in Career & Technical Education (CTE) • Expand opportunities to take college courses • Provide career counseling for all students in grades 6-12 • The voices of all will be included in this process • Experts will visit schools, offering Blueprint implementation feedback • New financial system tracks student fund spending 7 8 26
6/5/2024 5 Areas NOT Funded By Blueprint These Areas Rely on Local Funding 2,000.00 4,000.00 6,000.00 8,000.00 10,000.00 12,000.00 14,000.00 16,000.00 Per Pupil Funding from County Government – FY 25 Based on Maintenance of Effort 9 10 27
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 6/5/2024 6 0 50,000,000 100,000,000 150,000,000 200,000,000 250,000,000 FY2010 FY2024 FY2010 FY2024 Total County Adopted Budget Allocation to WCBOE $50,781,711* $193,643,305 $49,935,024 $124,628,442 Change in Wicomico County Revenue vs Allocation to WCBOE FY 2010 to 2024 *$50.78 Million in 2010, adjusted for CPI to 2024 roughly equals $71.8 Million 25.00% 27.00% 29.00% 31.00% 33.00% 35.00% 37.00% 39.00% 41.00% 43.00% 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 WCBOE Appropriation as a % of Total County Budget Chart reflects below MOE allocations in FY 11 & 12 and above MOE allocations in FY 13, 14, 20, and 24. If WCPS was still 41% of the County’s Operating Budget, the local funding for schools would be $81M annually. 11 12 28
6/5/2024 7 Maintenance of Effort $50M has been allocated for education funding, which is equal to the minimum requirement dictated by state law for operating funds. The county’s minimum legal contribution fails to account for inflation or escalating costs, leaving us unable to sustain the current level of service. Programs NOT Funded By Blueprint 13 14 29
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 6/5/2024 8 Our Charge + = Blueprint Funding • Student Supports • Student Achievement • Strong Teachers • Accountability Local Funding • School Climate • Student Opportunities • Strong Staff • Capacity The School System We All Want! Student Accomplishments •Student member of the Maryland State Board of Education – Abhi Gaddam (PHS) •National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist – Taejun Son (WHS) •39 AP Scholars Representing All High Schools •United States Presidential Scholar Semifinalist – Minaal Khwaja (WHS) •Carson Scholar – Urjit Chakraborty (JMB) •9 National Skills USA Competitors for CTE •2 Unified Sports Gold Medalists – Mardela Unified Tennis & JMB Strength & Conditioning •13 All State Instrumentalists & Vocalists Representing All High Schools •Maryland State Pole Vault Champion – Reese Howard (PHS) •US Bands IIIA National Champion – Parkside Marching Rams •A National Best Music Education School System 14 out of the Last 17 years •Maryland Business Roundtable Emerging Scholar Award – Olivia Stokes (WHS) •The Class of 2023 Earned Over $27M in Scholarships Around our Nation 16 Just to name a few… 15 16 30
6/5/2024 9 17 School Climate & Safety Implemented the Early Learning Transition Center and initiated additional behavior intervention programs Initiated planning with Kennedy Kreiger to provide mental & behavioral health resources in the underserved lower Eastern Shore Decreased overall discipline referrals by 10% and school violence incidents decreased by 10.48% this year (↓27% in MS & 48% in HS) Enhanced school safety with upgraded cameras, security film at entrances, electronic hall passes, a vape detection pilot, more campus patrol staff, and property fencing Implement a weapons detection system for portable use in secondary schools next year Open Kennedy Kreiger Elementary Program and Mental & Behavioral Health Day Program Increase staff training for Trauma-Informed Care, Restorative Practices, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and School Safety Training Improve school climate through the expansion of community school opportunities 17 18 31
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 6/5/2024 10 Student Achievement Successfully enrolled and educated 300+ additional Multilingual Learners in FY24 alone with only state funding Expand after-school programming from 14 to 17 schools to provide much needed academic interventions and resources to students Increased the number of PreK 4 classrooms to now accommodate 840 PreK students as total PreK enrollment has increased by 13.5% Significantly increased the number of dual enrollment courses offered and experienced a 19.8% increase in student participation Expanded financial literacy opportunities and implemented Career Coaches in secondary schools to focus on student career paths and exploration Expand the Judy Center Early Learning Hub to include Chipman Elementary, which will significantly increase resources for our youngest learners Continue to focus on core reading instruction that is based in the Science of Reading and implement evidence-based core mathematics instruction Implement online adaptive programs to expand the language and literacy skills of elementary and middle school Multilingual Learners Additional Opportunities for Student Engagement Researched and planned two new high interest middle school academies to prepare for implementation in FY25 Eliminated all participation fees resulting in increased participation in after-school activities, sports, and fine arts programs across the school system Increased the number of students enrolled in CTE courses and expanded Pre-Engineering offerings Implement a new CTE Firefighter/EMT Program in partnership with SFD and local volunteer fire departments Expand middle school academies to include a new Broadcasting Media Academy at BMS and a Business Leadership Academy at WMS Introduce AP African American Studies at a pilot school and offer CTE and advanced technology opportunities at Evening High School, Choices, and Secondary Virtual Learning Expand employer partnerships and community-based job training for high school students while introducing Vocational Olympics for students with disabilities Implemented 6 middle school sports programs with the support of the Wicomico Education Foundation and established multiple new clubs in all middle schools 19 20 32
6/5/2024 11 High Performing Workforce Increased the diversity of our teacher workforce by 15% within the last 2 years many of whom came from within WCPS Raised starting teacher salary by 2%, maintaining competitiveness despite dropping from top position on the Shore. We are committed to sustaining our competitive edge. Increased the number of WCPS teachers to 142 working toward National Board Certification through the MD’s Blueprint initiative Open the Marathon Health Center for WCPS staff and families to significantly reduce the health care costs for employees Establish a simplified application, interview, and onboarding process to assist applicants seeking opportunities with WCPS Established a Grow Your Own Initiative for Early Childhood Education in collaboration with Salisbury University Participate in the Smithsonian Education Coalition for Attracting and Retaining Diverse STEM Teachers Expand the Teacher Academy of Maryland CTE program through an exploratory course offered to 9th & 10th graders Parent & Community Involvement Expanded Community Schools initiative to include 47 community organizations and 21 faith-based partners, and in addition, have boosted mentors by 113%. Experienced significant growth in Parent University including participation from Multilingual Learner (ML) families Provided parents with support on the special education process through the Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC), which has grown by 60%. Strengthen the involvement of ML parents through an expansion of services and the development of an interactive ML Parent Resource Guide Expand the involvement community partners in career-based apprenticeships and volunteer opportunities Garner public support for increased education funding and more mental health resources on the Lower Shore Completed a community-wide branding initiative for Wicomico County Public Schools with the support of the Wicomico County Education Foundation Amplify the voice that students have in their education and experience in WCPS 21 22 33
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 6/5/2024 12 Budget Presentation May 22, 2024 23 34
EDUCATIONAL OVERVIEW 2.3 INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS The primary focus of WCPS facility services is to support the instructional needs of the students of Wicomico County. We must maintain our school buildings in order to reinforce and enhance the educational programs and instructional initiatives of everyone involved with educating our children. This means that our school spaces must be flexible and adapt to change. Changes in curriculum, instruction methods, technology innovations, and required instructional initiatives all bring a unique set of requirements that impact our physical assets. The following is a list of educational programs and/or instructional initiatives that are currently a part of WCPS Instruction: • AP, Honors and Standard Class Offerings • ATEX (Applied Technology Exploration) • Athletic Programs • Before and After School Programs • CTE (Career & Technology Education) • CHOICES Academy • Dual Enrollment • Early Childhood Education • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) • Evening High School • Gateway Project Lead the Way Signature Program • Gear Up • High School Enrollment Alternatives • Horizons • IDEA & Online IEP • Infant and Toddler programs • JROTC • Judy Hoyer Program • Magnet Schools • Musical Theater • Online Learning Lab • Online testing and assessments • PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) • Pre-K and K programs • Pre-K Expansion Program • Special Education • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Initiative • STEAM • Project MOVE / STEP UP • Summer LEAP / SL@M / Summer STARS: LEAP • Summer School, Intervention and Enrichment Programs • Summer Scientists Academy • TAD (Thinking and Doing) • Extended Core Curriculum (EX) • Title 1 and Reading / Math Intervention • VPA (Visual and Performing Arts Program) 35
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 Several of these programs mandate strict adherence to established laws and guidelines. For example, special education laws require that students be educated in the least restrictive environment (reference COMAR 13A.05 Special Instructional Programs). Due to some of the acute needs in this student population and in order to comply with the requirements of LRE, this program is expected to grow over the next several years. The unrestricted budget for this program is proposed at approximately $22.78 million, representing 8.78% of the entire WCPS proposed General Fund budget for FY 2025. In addition to the programs noted above there are often support personnel who need an office or pull-out space depending on where they are based and how often they provide services in the school. The following is a general list of instructional support programs that are currently a part of WCPS: • C.A.R.E.S. / Conflict Resolution • Community Partnership Services • Student Advisors • Home School Liaisons • Social Workers • Parenting Programs • Professional Development Coaches • New Teacher Coaches • Student and Family Health Programs • Various Grants and Programs • Speech Language Pathologist • OT/PT DIVERSITY WCPS has a diverse student population which is reflective of the diversity of the County in which it serves as shown in Figure 1 and the graphs below. With major employers, such as TidalHealth (formerly Peninsula Regional Medical Center), Salisbury University, Perdue Farms, Walmart/Sam’s Club, Wor-Wic Community College and various manufacturing businesses who are often either conducting business or recruiting experienced personnel not only nationally, but internationally; we anticipate that our student population will continue to diversify. The rate of citizenship is decreasing while the foreign-born population is increasing across the County with indication of a high level of diversity within the City of Salisbury. Figure 1 * US Census Bureau V2023 36
We continue to see an increase in the number of students designated as Multilingual Learners (ML). This is important to note, as we continue to expand our technology capabilities and staff resources to assist in creating a more global learning environment. Currently 82.27% of our student population is eligible for the Free and Reduced Meal (FARM) program and all WCPS are part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) which allows a school district in a low-income area to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to enrolled students. (See Figure 2). We also have a 10.9% special education population; this includes any type of student who receives special education services. In addition, 33.8% of our students have some type of chronic health condition, such as ADHD, diabetes, asthma, etc. All of these factors contribute to how our instructional programs are developed and implemented to serve the critical needs of our diverse student population and thus impacts how our facilities can adapt or are designed to accommodate our unique student composition. Figure 2 13% ML 11% 82% 34% 37
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY WCPS continues to prioritize the implementation of technology capabilities in our instructional environments, including access to the internet and digital communication technologies. A major trend in education is the immersion of our faculty, staff and students in a technology rich, easily accessible instructional environment. As educators become more adept at using digital instructional technologies and include the internet to expand their educational environment, faster access and connections are required. This creates an increased demand of specialized electrical service and complimentary systems connectivity. WCPS has successfully implemented and maintained a complex high speed telecommunication network which provides fully integrated voice and data access to each classroom, school and administrative office throughout the county. WCPS has a 1 to 1 device practice providing every student with the technology necessary for virtual learning if necessary. Internet access can be provided to students and teachers in need and open communication regarding affordable ways to get online is promoted. FUTURE INSTRUCTIONAL INITIATIVES We also need to be aware of what is being investigated regarding instructional proposals nationally and state-wide in addition to our own local initiatives in an attempt to be prepared for things that may impact our facility plans. See the Facility Inventory section for a list of special initiatives. The increase in distance learning has initiated the deployment of affordable technology to facilitate engaging classroom discourse, asynchronously and synchronously, and provide the much-needed connection between students and teacher regardless of the delivery model. To promote post-secondary education in all of our high schools and target underrepresented student populations, WCPS received grant funding to create four classrooms in each of our four high schools. This model will allow access to content and curriculum at various Institutes of Higher Education virtually, allowing students to take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities. With the assistance of CARES funding, all classrooms at our alternative school location (CHOICES), at Evening High School, and spaces serving our students with emotional disabilities throughout our secondary schools will be updated to a virtual format. 38
CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION Career and technical education is provided in the four area high schools and at the Career & Technical Education Department located at Parkside High School. Business, accounting, marketing programs, computer science, and interactive media are housed in the comprehensive high schools as well. Students from the area high schools may elect to attend as full-time or part-time students at Parkside High School in order to participate in the programs offered at the CTE Center. The Career & Technical Education Center is a time-shared facility that currently offers 24 different programs within the arts, media & communication, business management & finance; consumer services, hospitality & tourism; construction & development; environmental, agricultural & natural resources, health & biosciences, human resources services, information technology clusters and is designed to promote integration and blended instruction between the academic and career and technical programs. Generally, high school students attend the CTE Center for 1-3 periods daily depending on the program chosen. The facility was completed at Parkside High School in September 1997 and is attended daily by approximately 1218 students coming from all county high schools. Programs offered are as follows: • Accounting and Finance • Automotive Technology • Business Administrative Services • Carpentry • Collision Repair • CISCO Networking • Computer Science • Cosmetology • Criminal Justice • Culinary Arts • Early Childhood Education • Electricity • Fire Fighter/EMT • Health Occupations • High Performance Manufacturing • HVAC • Horticulture • Interactive Media • JROTC • Marketing • Masonry • Nursing Assistant • Pre-Engineering (PLTW) • Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) • Welding An exploratory program called Applied Technology Exploration (ATEX) is in place that allows 9th and 10th grade students to gain exposure to the technology offering by allowing them to rotate through four programs so as to select the one that best meets their career plan. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS 2.4 39
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 ATEX Applied Technology Exploration I are one-semester courses that are recommended for students who are interested in enrolling in a career and technical program at Parkside High School. ATEX I gives students an opportunity to explore four career areas. These courses consist of classroom and laboratory experiences. At the end of ATEX I, students may select a CTE program of study to receive more focused study. This course introduces students to careers in one of the following fields: auto technology, business, management and finance, carpentry, early childhood education, collision repair, CISCO Networking, criminal justice, culinary arts, electricity, graphic and commercial arts, health occupations, heating and air conditioning, high performance manufacturing, horticulture, masonry, pre-engineering (PLTW), and welding. Students attend the program at Parkside High School. ATEX I is offered during period one in the classrooms and laboratories where the applied technology courses are offered during periods one each day. Students from each of the four high schools travel to Parkside for these courses. The total student enrollment in ATEX is approximately 450 students each semester. These exploratory programs are taught by the 18 CTE staff members. Students who complete ATEX I have satisfied onehalf credit toward the graduation requirement in technology education. JROTC The Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is a program offered to high schools that teaches students character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership, and diversity. It is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Army, Cadet Command, Board of Education and our schools to produce successful students and citizens, while fostering a more constructive and disciplined learning environment. Currently, there are 130 students enrolled in the Wicomico HS JROTC program. The outcomes of the JROTC program are: • Act with integrity and personal accountability as they lead others to succeed in a diverse and global workforce • Engage civic and social concerns in the community, government, & society • Graduate prepared to excel in post-secondary options and career pathways • Make decisions that promote positive social, emotional, and physical health • Value the role of the military and other service organizations 40
With the school’s support, the JROTC program achieves these outcomes by using a worldclass 21st Century, technology driven, student centered curriculum. The curriculum consists of education in citizenship, leadership, social and communication skills, physical fitness and wellness, geography, and civics. Wicomico HS JROTC was most recently accredited by U.S. Army, Cadet Command in 2018 (every 5 years). The curriculum is facilitated and taught by qualified Army personnel who are employed by the schools to teach JROTC. JROTC teacher qualifications are based on military experience, education, training, maturity, stability, and leadership acquired over 20 years of service to our nation. The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Education endorse the curriculum and accreditation by U.S. Army, Cadet Command. The benefits of JROTC are reflected in metrics below impacting all schools in the U.S. Specific to Wicomico, 52% of our cadets have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, 88% attendance, and 80% of senior cadets enlist in the military or attend a 2 or 4 year college institution. Average School JROTC Attendance 88% 88% Graduation 86% 100% In-Discipline 15% 5% Drop-Out 3% 0% GPA 2.47 2.90 JROTC is a successful program, making substantial contributions to students, schools, and our communities which benefit greatly from its presence. FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN A full day kindergarten program is implemented in 11 primary/elementary locations serving 1,114 students. The full day program allows teachers to effectively provide indepth instruction while pacing to meet individual needs and foster positive parentteacher relationships. The district utilized the Maryland’s College and Career Readiness Standards. Kindergarten classrooms utilize curricula from Fish Tank, 95% Phonics Core Program, Heggerty, and the McGraw – Hill Mathematics Programs. The locations are: • Beaver Run Elementary • Charles H. Chipman • Delmar Elementary • Fruitland Primary • Northwestern Elementary • Pemberton Elementary • Pinehurst Elementary • Prince Street Elementary • West Salisbury Elementary • Westside Primary • Willards Elementary 41
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2025 PRE-KINDERGARTEN Pre-kindergarten, a program for children who are three and four-years old and are considered living at the poverty level as recognized by the current federal poverty standards and/or current federal homeless definition, receive instruction daily. All eleven prekindergarten sites receive Blueprint for Maryland’s Future funds. These funds provide full day programming for three and four-year olds at various income levels. Two of the 11 sites receive Judy Center Grant funding. The district has adopted the Frog Street and Connect 4 Learning programs for use in the prekindergarten classrooms. Students learn through integrated, project-based units of study that explore a variety of topics with a focus on science and mathematics. There are over 700 three and four-year old children participating in this program at eleven sites. Each class can ideally accommodate 20 children; a certified teacher and instructional assistant are provided. All eligible children applying to the program must be accepted as mandated by COMAR. Locations with full day PreK 4 (and PreK 3 where noted): • Beaver Run Elementary • Charles H. Chipman (PreK 3) • Delmar Elementary • Fruitland Primary • Northwestern Elementary • Pemberton Elementary (PreK 3) • Pinehurst Elementary • Prince Street Elementary • West Salisbury Elementary • Westside Primary • Willards Elementary JUDY CENTER EARLY LEARNING HUB The Judy Center Early Learning Hub serves children ages birth through 5 years. This grant funded, comprehensive early care and educational program provides services for young children and their families for the purpose of promoting continuous improvement towards school readiness. Additionally, students may receive community-based services such as vision, dental and mental health as warranted. The Judy Center’s fullday classes are Prekindergarten 3-YearOld, Prekindergarten, and Kindergarten. Participation in these program services is limited to the specific school boundary areas identified within the grant. The attendance areas presently served by the Judy Center Program are: • Beaver Run (Prekindergarten, Kindergarten) • Pemberton (Prekindergarten 3-Year-Old, Prekindergarten, and Kindergarten) 42
HORIZONS DELMARVA’S PROGRAM Horizons Delmarva is an academic enrichment program for economically disadvantaged public school children in Wicomico and Worcester County. Horizons provides an opportunity to collaborate a variety of services offered to children with a range of skills and talents who may be at risk of falling academically behind their peers not only during the summer but throughout the school year as well. Horizons offers a dynamic Summer Learning Program, richly designed to close the academic achievement gap for students in rising 1st through 9th grades. Central to this program are engaging STEM-based lessons that stimulate curiosity and foster critical thinking. A hallmark feature of the Horizons program is comprehensive swimming instruction, ensuring every student learns this essential life saving skill. The curriculum is further enhanced by a variety of field trips and service learning activities, providing students with hands-on experiences that extend beyond the classroom. This immersive summer experience, set in a non-traditional school setting, encourages academic, social, and cultural development through a unique blend of fun and educational activities. During the school year, Horizons Delmarva offers a suite family engagement events, parent workshops, and a Weekend Scholars Academy. SPECIAL EDUCATION Wicomico County Public Schools provides a full continuum of specialized instruction and health related services for students with disabilities. The primary focus of these services is to address the unique needs of students with disabilities in order for them to access the general curriculum to the maximum extent possible in the least restrictive environment. Services include diagnostic evaluation, specialized instruction and health related therapies as appropriate. Federal and state regulations require Wicomico County Schools to ensure that: 1. To the maximum extent appropriate, students with disabilities, including students in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with students who are not disabled; and 2. Removal of students with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily and is the decision of the IEP team. Wicomico County Schools must also ensure that: 1. A continuum of alternative placements is available: a. To the extent necessary to implement the IEP, and b. To meet the unique needs of students with disabilities for special education and health related services 43
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