CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Wicomico County Public Schools Educational Facilities Master Plan FY 2026
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WICOMICO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION N. Eugene Malone, Jr., Chairman David A. Plotts, Vice Chairman Susan W. Beauchamp Allen C. Brown, Sr. Dr. Bonnie H. Ennis Kristin N. Hazel John Palmer Micah C. Stauffer, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
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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 11, 2025 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 FY2026 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 10, 2025, the Wicomico County Board of Education approved the attached FY2026 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
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1 .EFMP Overview......................................................................................................9-18 1.1 EFMP Introduction............................................................................................11 1.2 EFMP Purpose...................................................................................................13 1.3 School Tracks....................................................................................................15 1.4 Map: Wicomico County Public Schools Locations.................................17 2 Educational Goals...............................................................................................19-48 2.1 WCBOE Educational Mission & Vision Policy..........................................21 2.2 Superintendent State of the Schools..................................................23-29 2.3 Educational Overview..............................................................................31-34 2.4 Educational Programs.............................................................................35-48 3 Applicable Policies...........................................................................................49-102 3.1 Non-Discrimination Statement...................................................................51 3.2 Special Education.....................................................................................53-55 3.3 School Facility Retirement...........................................................................57 3.4 Staffing Ratios & Organization Patterns..................................................59 3.5 Student Transportation Policy..............................................................61-62 3.6 Student Transportation Procedure....................................................63-68 3.7 WCPS Student Attendance Area Guidelines...........................................69 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.....................................................................................103-122 4.1 Community Analysis..............................................................................105-112 4.2 Wicomico County Map: Development Pattern.....................................113 4.3 Growth & School Facility Status................................................................115 4.4 City of Salisbury: Residential Development...........................................117 4.5 Small Municipal Residential Development.............................................119 4.6 Wicomico County Planning Approval Letter.........................................121 CONTENTS
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2026 5 Facility Inventory.............................................................................................123-208 5.1 Facility Inventory Analysis......................................................................125-129 5.2 Facility Needs Index: Major Capital Improvement..................................131 5.3 Facility Needs Index: Systemic.....................................................................133 5.4 Scorecard Narrative........................................................................................135 5.41 FCI (scorecards) Maps....................................................................137-138 5.42 Scorecard/Facility Need Report - By School........................139-198 5.5 Facilities Inventory IAC/PSCP Form 101.1........................................199-203 5.6 Facility Inventory Update Assurance Form 101.4 Superintendent Signed.........................................................................205-206 5.7 WCPS Regional Program Inventory...........................................................207 6 Enrollment & Capacity...................................................................................209-266 6.1 WCPS Enrollment and Capacity Analysis...........................................211-215 6.2 Private & Home School Analysis..........................................................217-218 6.3 9/30 Superintendent Verification of Enrollment Form.......................219 6.4 MDP Data for Projected Enrollment..................................................221-230 6.5 WCPS Agreement with MDP Enrollment Letter.....................................231 6.6 WCPS FTE Projected Enrollment......................................................233-259 6.7 MDP Approval Letter..............................................................................261-262 6.8 WCPS Headcount/FTE Spreadsheet........................................................263 6.9 Non-Public School Sheet.....................................................................265-266 7 Facility Needs.....................................................................................................267-276 7.1 Overview.............................................................................................................269 7.2 General Planning Guidelines.................................................................271-272 7.3 Future Facility Needs..............................................................................273-274 7.4 Facility Needs Summary IAC/PSCP Form 101.3......................................275
1 EFMP Overview 9
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EFMP INTRODUCTION 1.1 Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Capital Improvement Program consists of two integral components, the FY2026 Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP) and the upcoming FY2027 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 Schools (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 Figure 1 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 well 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 increase while funding for facility improvements remains limited. In spite of these difficulties, WCPS is committed to developing and maintaining 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 WicomicoMS 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 MardelaMS 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 BennettMS X X James M. Bennett X X X 102 X X X X X X X SalisburyMS 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 BennettMS 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 BennettMS X X Parkside HS X X X 134 X X X X X X XWicomicoMSX X Wicomico HS X X X 135 X X X X X X XWicomicoMSX 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 CITYRD JOHNSONRD JERSEY RD ATHOLRD SALISBURYBYP DAGSBORORD SHAVOX RD LAWS RD ZION RD ALLENRD POWELLVILLERD WHITEHAVENRD WALLER RD NEWHOPERD PEMBERT ONDR SHARPTOWNRD CROSS RD BETHELRD MELSONRD COOPER RD MORRIS RD TINGLE RD QUANTICORD NAYLORMILLRD GUMBORO RD ST LUKESRD PORTERMILL RD W LINE RD SIXTY FOOT RD WANGO RD SNOWHILL RD FOOKS RD RIGGIN RD LOGCABINRD PARSONSBURGRD WEST RD 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 SUPPERFERRY RD ROHMRD MT OLI VERD RIVERSIDE DREXT REWASTI CO RD MORRIS LEONARDRD STAGE RD BENT PINE RD JESTERVILLERD CHERRYWALKRD NORRIS TWILLEYRD FIRETOWERRD POPLARNECKRD COLLINS WHARFRD MARSH RD FORESTGROVE RD FOSKEY LN OLD RAILROAD RD DOWNINGRD WEST ST ESHAM RD TWILLEYS BRIDGE RD CROOKEDOAKLN ROUNDSRD TEXAS RD COBBS HILL RD POWELLSCHOOL RD BOB SMITHRD SNETHENCHURCHRD POWELL RD LONGRIDGERD BEARSWAMPRD BI-STATE BLVD BENDAVIS RD WARD RD UNIONCHURCHRD MT PLEASANT RD MEZICKRD HEAD OF CREEKRD BROWN RD SPRING HILL LN OLDBRADLEYRD HICKMAN LN NUTTERS NECKRD LITTLE LN SANDOMINGORD LITTLETON RD HOLT RD N SALISBURY BLVD JACKSONRD PURNELL CROSSINGRD OCEAN HWY DEEP BRANCHRD TAYLORS TRL N MAIN ST NORTHWOOD DR LAUREL RD SEYMORE RD GORDY MILL RD WASTE GATERD TRUITT ST PHILLIPSRD SHOCKLEYRD POCOMOKE RD ZIONCHURCHRD CAMPGROUND RD SHARPS POINTRD MIDDLETONRD COX RD WARREN RD PATEY LN WOODYARD RD TYASKIN RD HURLEYS NECK RD RAYNE RD BERRY RD JONES HASTINGS RD MAINST EXT NOBLEFARMRD E STATE ST BAPTIST CHURCH RD CARIOCARD GREEN LEWISRD SCENIC DR RACE BRIDGERD OLDE FRUITLAND RD COTTMAN RD SHELL RD GUY WARD RD BOB KELLY RD GODDARD PKWY WEBB RD INSLEY DR E GORDYRD 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 ST24 ST346 ST354 ST12 ST349 ST363 ST350 ST30 ST352 ST313 ST26 ST54 ST347 ST388 ST331 ST529 ST353 ST374 ST610 ST731 ST531 ST348 ST30 ST54 Tangier Sound Pocomoke River Quantico Creek Nassawango Creek Burnt Mill Branch Pusey Branch Cod Cree k Rewastico Creek Moni e Creek Baron Creek Campbel l Ditch Gum Branch Manokin Br anch Divi ding Creek Ki ngs Creek Loretta Branch Mor ris Bran ch Rossakatum Branch Ingem Gut Pol litts Branch Plum Creek Peters Creek Aydyl otte Branch Fork Green Run Ol d Mil l Branch Mi ddle Neck Branch South Prong Horsebridge Creek Brewington Branch Ward Branch Sturges Creek Passerdyke Creek Holl y Branch Peggy Branch Manokin River South Fork Green Run Trui t t Branch Bl ackwater Creek Taylor Branch Coonf oot Branch Br atton Creek Manumsco Creek Cowhouse Branch Tussocky Branch Broad Creek Figgs Ditc h Givens Branch Shil es Creek Andrews Br anch Littl e Creek Miller Branch C ampground Branch Owens Branch Jobes Di t ch Back Creek Saunders Br anch Pokomoke River Mayer Branch Tangs Creek Mi ddleto wn Branch Mockingbird Creek Mount Olive Branch Fivemil e Branch Bal d Cypr ess Branch Jackson Branch Murr ay Branch Walston Br a nch Wetip quin Creek Mill Branch Waste Gate Creek Little Burn t Branch Pepper Pond Gi ll Br anch Coop er Branch Widow Hawkins Branch Tyaskin Cree k Beaverdam Creek Terrapin Pond Green Run Shar ps Creek Lewis Prong Coty Cox Branch Somer set Creek James Branch Adkins Race Stone Cre ek Cutmaptico Creek Muddy Hol e Creek Dunn Cr eek Li ttl e Moni e Creek Dav i s Br anch Cherrybri dge Creek Otter Pond Br anch Collins Gut Pepper Branch Phillips Di tch Goose Creek Leonard Pond Run Raccoon Prong Terry Branch Chicamacomico River Millville Creek Jones Creek North Fork Green Run Long Broughton Branch Acquango Br anch White Marsh Creek Owens Creek Beaverdam Branch Green Hill Creek Denney Branch Tilghman Race Gordys Branch Little Indian Creek Rockawalking Creek Bul l Run Gordon Branch A she rw ood Branch Furnace Branch Turkey Branch Wicomico Creek Windsor Creek Wesley Branch Porter Mill Creek Pea chorchard Creek Pigeonhouse Creek Stockey Gut Line Creek Re wasti co Creek Pocomoke River Baron Creek Pocomoke River Jones Creek Chicamacomico River Pocomoke River Mill Branch James Branch Baron Creek Nassawango Creek 4 00.511.522.533.544.555.56 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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2 Educational Goals 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
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SUPERINTENDENT STATE OF THE SCHOOLS 2.2 23
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2026 24
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Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2026 26
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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: EDUCATIONAL OVERVIEW 2.3 • AP, Honors and Standard Classes • ATEX (Applied Technology Exploration) • Athletic Programs • Before & After School Programs • Blended Virtual Program (BVP) • CTE (Career & Technology Education) • CHOICES Academy • Dual Enrollment • Early Childhood Education • Early Learning Transition (ELT) • 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 & Toddler Programs • Instructional Supports - School Counselors - Audiologists - Pupil Personnel Workers - Community School Coordinators • JROTC • Judy Hoyer Program • Magnet School • Musical Theater • Online Learning Lab • Online testing & assessments • PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports) • Pre-K & K programs • Pre-K Expansion Program • Special Education • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) Initiative • STEAM • Project MOVE / STEP UP • Summer SOAR / SL@M • Summer STARS: LEAP • Summer School, Intervention & Enrichment Programs • Summer Scientists Academy • TAD (Thinking and Doing) • Extended Core Curriculum (EX) • Title 1 and Reading / Math Intervention • VPA (Visual & Performing Arts Program) 31
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2026 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 $23.66 million, representing 8.48% of the entire WCPS proposed General Fund budget for FY 2026. 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 32
We continue to see an increase in the number of students designated as Multilingual Learners (ML) with our current total at 13%. 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 86.42% 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 10.6% 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. Percent FARM Percent CEP CEP Beaver Run Elementary School 100.00% 100.00% Y Bennett Middle School 86.09% 86.19% Y Charles H. Chipman Elementary 100.00% 100.00% Y Delmar Elementary School 42.58% 42.62% Y East Salisbury Elementary School 100.00% 100.00% Y Fruitland Intermediate School 79.41% 79.53% Y Fruitland Primary School 84.15% 84.28% Y Glen Avenue Elementary School 100.00% 100.00% Y James M. Bennett High School 78.07% 78.14% Y Mardela Middle & High School 97.04% 97.12% Y North Salisbury Elementary School 73.71% 73.75% Y Northwestern Elementary School 69.01% 69.24% Y Parkside High School 75.22% 75.23% Y Pemberton Elementary School 100.00% 100.00% Y Pinehurst Elementary School 100.00% 100.00% Y Pittsville Elementary & Middle School 81.42% 81.73% Y Prince Street Elementary School 100.00% 100.00% Y Salisbury Middle School 90.41% 90.51% Y West Salisbury Elementary 97.86% 97.90% Y Westside Intermediate School 72.19% 72.43% Y Westside Primary School 92.12% 92.22% Y Wicomico Choices Academy 100.00% 100.00% Y Wicomico Early Learning Transitions 0.00% 0.00% Y Wicomico High School 95.67% 95.73% Y Wicomico Middle School 97.97% 97.99% Y Willards Elementary School 70.97% 71.23% Y 2024-2025 Free and Reduced-Price Meals Eligibility & Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Figure 2 13% ML Multilingual 11% 86% FARM 34% Chronic Health 33
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2026 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 wireless and 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 strategy providing every student with the technology necessary for virtual learning when needed. Internet access has become more widely available in our area with high-speed internet solution providers expanding their networks on the eastern shore. We share ideas and open communication regarding affordable ways for families and staff to get online. 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. 34
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 27 different programs within the arts, media & communication; business management & finance; consumer services, hospitality & tourism; construction & development; environmental, agricultural & natural resources; health & biosciences; human resource services; and information technology clusters. The program is designed to promote integration and blended instruction between the academic, 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 by approximately 1313 students coming from all county high schools. Programs offered are as follows: • Accounting and Finance • Advanced Technology • Automotive Technology • Business Administrative Services • Carpentry • Child Development Associate • CISCO Networking • Collision Repair • Computer Science • Cosmetology • Criminal Justice • Culinary Arts • Electricity • Fire Fighter/EMT • Health Occupations • High Performance Manufacturing • HVAC • Horticulture • Interactive Media • JROTC • Marketing • Masonry • Nail Technician • 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 35
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2026 ATEX Applied Technology Exploration I are one-term 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, heating and air conditioning, high performance manufacturing, horticulture, masonry, or welding. Students attend the program at Parkside High School. ATEX I is offered during one period and 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 19 CTE staff members. Students who complete ATEX I have satisfied one-half credit toward the graduation requirement in technology education. BLENDED VIRTUAL PROGRAM (BVP) The Blended Virtual Program offers students in grades 6-10 the opportunity to participate in live synchronous instruction with a Maryland-certified, Wicomico County Public Schools’ teacher. Students will actively engage in both synchronous and asynchronous instruction aligned to grade level-appropriate Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards. Cameras must be on and the student must engage actively during synchronous instruction. Daily instruction will follow the same schedule as in-person students with course materials consistent with peers in brick-and-mortar schools. While students would not attend in person during the school day, students will continue to be enrolled in their neighborhood school, with access to after school and extracurricular activities. JROTC The Mission of United States (U.S.) Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is to “Motivate young people to be better citizens”. It 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, the Board of Education and our schools to produce successful students and citizens, while fostering a more constructive and disciplined learning environment. Currently (SY 2024-2025), there are 164 Cadets enrolled in JROTC. The Cadets come from all high schools in the district to participate in the program located at Wicomico High School. 36
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 The JROTC curriculum, which addresses national academic standards – to include Common Core State Standards (CCSS) – includes course work on leadership, civics, geography and global awareness, health, and wellness, language arts, life skills, and U.S. history. The curriculum is based on the principles of performance-based, learnercentered education and promotes development of core abilities: capacity for life-long learning, communication, responsibility for actions and choices, good citizenship, respectful treatment of others, and critical thinking techniques. U.S. Army JROTC program was accredited by Cognia in 2022, and received the School of Distinction Award. Cognia an accrediting agency that provides accreditation and certification across the nation and completed their review of the entire JROTC program. JROTC scored 368 out of a possible 400 on Cognia’s Index of Education Quality, a grading scale used to quantify how well an institution adheres to national education standards in teaching and learning. The JROTC program at Wicomico High School is led by a Senior Army Instructor (SAI) and a Army Instructor (AI). Both are retired from the U.S. Army and respectively have 28 years and 25 years of service as Soldiers in the U.S.Army. JROTC Instructor qualifications are based on military experience, education, training, maturity, stability, and leadership. The Instructors are hired by the district. Then the Instructors must be approved and certified through U.S. Army Cadet Command. They provide classroom instruction, and overseeing extracurricular activities, all while adhering to Army and school district guidelines. The extracurricular activities available to the Cadets are Raiders and Color Guard. Raiders compete in physically and mentally demanding athletic competitions, testing teamwork, leadership, and discipline, with events like obstacle courses, runs, and first aid challenges. The Color Guard is a team of Cadets who present the national colors (flags) at ceremonies, sporting events, parades, and other public events, showcasing military tradition and precision. The Raiders and Color Guard teams train daily after school. The JROTC Instructors also mentor and train the Cadet Leaders of the Tribe Battalion. The battalion is composed of Cadets in the program. The class periods are designated into Cadet Companies. The Cadets start in JROTC as Leadership Education Training (LET) – 1 and have the opportunity to progress through the program to achieve LET-4. Cadets occupy leadership positions such as Battalion Commander, Command Sergeant 37
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2026 Major, Company Commander, First Sergeant, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and Squad Leader. There is a Battalion Staff that performs functions for the Battalion. The Cadets in leadership positions must display positive leadership qualities that will be of benefit to the Battalion. Cadets must pass a Promotion Board and Leadership Selection Process. The Cadets that serve as leaders receive real leadership experience that many of their non-JROTC peers will never experience. The Cadets also get the opportunity to participate in service-learning projects and other community events. The Cadets who stay in the program for 4 semesters, traditionally far exceed the minimum amount of Community Service Hours for graduation. The JROTC Program has participated in some substantial events in the past year. The events were primarily a result of positive relationships developed with Recruiters and Community Members. Sergeant First Class Bruce Roberts, Maryland (MD) Army National Guard Recruiter, conducted two 14-mile Bataan March Memorial Hikes at the Pocomoke State Forest, MD. This allowed almost 80 Cadets to participate and complete this challenging course. The hikes were conducted in memorial of veterans of the Bataan Death March in World War II. Sergeant Shane Houle, U.S. Army Recruiter, supported the program by conducting two separate Army Combat Fitness Tests (ACFT), one in each semester. This is the same physical readiness test conducted by the U.S. Army. Several Cadets successfully completed this test, and some performed exceptionally. The Cadets participated in Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies in events hosted by the Wicomico County War Veterans Memorial Committee at the Civic Center in Salisbury, MD. They were presented with Certificates of Appreciation from Major General (Retired) Anthony Sarbanes for their substantial support to these events. LET-3 and LET-4 Cadets participated in a field trip to the Center for Military History located at the Latin Boys School in Baltimore, MD. This event was coordinated through Ms. Deborah Scott, Executive Director of the Buffalo Soldier Living History Museum. This event allowed them to see military uniforms and equipment throughout the history of the U.S. Much of it was related to service members from MD. The Cadets of the Tribe Battalion participated in numerous other events. They performed Color Guard details for a Delmarva Shorebirds baseball game, Relay for Life, City of Salisbury Christmas Parade, Wreaths Across America with the Perdue Veterans Associate Resource Group (VARG), and all high school graduations in the district. They also participated in Wreaths Across America at Parsons Cemetery in Salisbury, MD. This was to honor deceased veterans. The benefits of JROTC are reflected in metrics below impacting all schools in the U.S. Specific to Wicomico High School, 45% of our cadets have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, 90% 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% 99% In-Discipline 15% 7% Drop-Out 3% 2% GPA 2.47 2.74 JROTC is a successful program, making substantial contributions to students, schools, and our communities which benefit greatly from its presence. 38
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN A full day kindergarten program is implemented in 11 primary/elementary locations serving 1,250 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 utilizes Maryland’s College and Career Readiness Standards. The locations are: • Beaver Run Elementary • Charles H. Chipman Elementary • Delmar Elementary • Fruitland Primary • Northwestern Elementary • Pemberton Elementary • Pinehurst Elementary • Prince Street Elementary • West Salisbury Elementary • Westside Primary • Willards Elementary PRE-KINDERGARTEN Prekindergarten, 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. Three of the eleven sites receive Judy Center Grant funding. The district has adopted the Frog Street and Connect 4 Learning programs for use in prekindergarten classrooms. Students learn through integrated, project-based units of study that explore a variety of topics to prepare them for success in kindergarten. There are 805 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. Prekindergarten three-year-old programs will phase out for the 2025-2026 school year. All eligible children applying to the program must be accepted as mandated by COMAR. The locations are: • Beaver Run Elementary • Charles H. Chipman Elementary • Delmar Elementary • Fruitland Primary • Northwestern Elementary • Pemberton Elementary • Pinehurst Elementary • Prince Street Elementary • West Salisbury Elementary • Westside Primary • Willards Elementary 39
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2026 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 services. 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 Elementary (PreK & K) • Pemberton Elementary (PreK & K) • West Salisbury Elementary (PreK & K) HORIZONS DELMARVA’S PROGRAM Horizons Delmarva is an academic enrichment program for economically disadvantaged public school children in Wicomico 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 6th 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 and parent workshops. EARLY LEARNING TRANSITIONS Early Learning Transitions (ELT) is a specialized intervention program designed to equip Pre-K through 2nd-grade students with essential social skills and self-regulation strategies in a supportive, structured environment. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, this targeted program provides direct instruction tailored to each child’s unique needs. To foster individual growth, personalized behavioral goals are established, and progress is closely monitored. Additionally, students benefit from the expertise of school Social Workers and Counselors, who provide comprehensive support to address their holistic development. By equipping students with the tools, they need to succeed, Early Learning Transitions ensures a smooth and confident return to their home schools, setting them up for longterm success in the classroom and beyond. 40
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 2. Alternative placements include the settings as listed in regulation; and 3. Provisions for supplementary aids and services are available in conjunction with general education. Schools with self-contained programs include (this program requires): • Beaver Run Elementary • Delmar Elementary • East Salisbury Elementary • Fruitland Intermediate • Glen Avenue Elementary • North Salisbury Elementary • Pemberton Elementary • Pinehurst Elementary TITLE I SCHOOLS Wicomico County Public Schools maintains and supports Title 1 Programs at the following locations: • Beaver Run Elementary • Chipman Elementary • East Salisbury Elementary • Fruitland Primary School • Glen Avenue Elementary • West Salisbury Elementary • Bennett Middle • Salisbury Middle • Wicomico Middle • James M. Bennett High • Parkside High • Wicomico High • Pemberton Elementary • Pinehurst Elementary • Prince Street Elementary • West Salisbury Elementary 41
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2026 VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM The Visual Art, Music, and Theatre VPA program is a unique set of courses for eleventh and twelfth grade students with exceptional abilities who are interested in pursuing a visual art, music, or theatre career. VPA prepares students for college and pre-professional training. The VPA Performance Theatre program is open to tenth through twelfth grade students who are interested in pursuing theatre careers and/or community theatre interests. Students study acting, musical theatre, directing, and technical applications. The VPA (Art, Music, and Theatre) program is located on the Wicomico High School campus. Selected students from the four county high schools attend the VPA program for a portion of their school day. They return to their home school for the remainder of their day. Currently there are about 80 students enrolled in this program, 13 in art, 58 in theatre, and 9 in music. The program makes use of existing county staff. Six teachers spend a total of 560-minute teaching blocks per year in this program. The art program makes use of one large classroom and one smaller area for instruction. The music program uses the existing choral and music rooms at Wicomico High School. The Performance Theatre program uses the Parkside High School chorus room as well as the Wicomico High School auditorium, sound booth, stage, make-up room, and stagecraft room. WICOMICO COUNTY STRING ORCHESTRA PROGRAM String students at all the county high schools participate in String Orchestra. Separate orchestra ensembles exist at Wicomico High, James M. Bennett, Parkside, and Mardela. Orchestra is scheduled during first block at James M. Bennett, fourth block at Parkside and Wicomico High, and Flex third period at Mardela High School. Three string teachers are assigned to direct these four high school ensembles to make the most efficient use of staff who are also responsible for teaching at other county elementary, middle, and high schools. Currently there are 75 students enrolled in the high school orchestra program: 27 at James M. Bennett, 18 at Parkside, 10 at Mardela, and 20 at Wicomico High. For rehearsals, the program makes use of the band room at James M. Bennett, the chorus room and stage at Parkside, and the stage at Wicomico High and Mardela. String students at all five county middle schools participate in string instruction and/or orchestra. Instruction takes place during the special subjects’ periods for sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Three string instructors are assigned to the five middle schools to make the most efficient use of the staff who are also responsible for teaching at other county schools. 42
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