CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Wicomico County Public Schools Educational Facilities Master Plan FY 2027
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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 10, 2026 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 FY2027 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 9, 2026, the Wicomico County Board of Education approved the attached FY2027 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 School Locations...................................17 2 Educational Goals...............................................................................................19-52 2.1 WCBOE Educational Mission & Vision Policy..........................................21 2.2 Superintendent State of the Schools..................................................23-31 2.3 Educational Overview.............................................................................33-36 2.4 Educational Programs..............................................................................37-51 3 Applicable Policies...........................................................................................53-106 3.1 Non-Discrimination Statement.................................................................55 3.2 Special Education....................................................................................57-59 3.3 School Facility Retirement..........................................................................61 3.4 Staffing Ratios & Organization Patterns.................................................63 3.5 Student Transportation Policy............................................................65-66 3.6 Student Transportation Procedure....................................................67-72 3.7 WCPS Student Attendance Area Guidelines...........................................73 3.8 School Attendance Areas and Redistricting Policy........................75-78 3.9 Assignment of Students to Schools..........................................................79 3.10 Special Permission Procedure..............................................................81-83 3.11 Attendance Boundary Maps (Elem, Middle, High).........................85-87 3.12 Individual School Boundary Maps....................................................89-106 4 Community Analysis......................................................................................107-126 4.1 Community Analysis..............................................................................109-116 4.2 Wicomico County Map: Development Pattern.....................................117 4.3 Growth & School Facility Status................................................................119 4.4 City of Salisbury: Residential Development...........................................121 4.5 Small Municipal Residential Development............................................123 4.6 Wicomico County Planning Approval Letter.........................................125 CONTENTS
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2027 5 Facility Inventory..............................................................................................127-220 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 FCI (scorecards) Maps.....................................................................141-142 5.42 Scorecard/Facility Needs Report - By School......................143-209 5.5 Facilities Inventory IAC/PSCP Form 101.1..........................................211-215 5.6 Facility Inventory Update Assurance Form 101.4 Superintendent Signed...........................................................................217-218 5.7 WCPS Regional Program Inventory............................................................219 6 Enrollment & Capacity....................................................................................221-276 6.1 WCPS Enrollment and Capacity Analysis.........................................223-227 6.2 Private & Home School Analysis........................................................229-230 6.3 9/30 Superintendent Verification of Enrollment Form.......................231 6.4 MDP Data for Projected Enrollment.................................................233-239 6.5 WCPS Agreement with MDP Enrollment Letter.....................................241 6.6 WCPS FTE Projected Enrollment.......................................................243-269 6.7 MDP Approval Letter...............................................................................271-272 6.8 WCPS Headcount/FTE Spreadsheet.........................................................273 6.9 Non-Public School Sheet......................................................................275-276 7 Facility Needs......................................................................................................277-286 7.1 Overview..............................................................................................................279 7.2 General Planning Guidelines................................................................281-282 7.3 Future Facility Needs.............................................................................283-284 7.4 Facility Needs Summary IAC/PSCP Form 101.3......................................285
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EFMP INTRODUCTION 1.1 Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Capital Improvement Program consists of two integral components, the FY2027 Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP) and the upcoming FY2028 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 14.39.02.03 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 Updated for Elementary and Middle School Effective SY2026 Track School PK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 011 Beaver Run Elementary X X X X ES ES ES Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 021 Delmar Elementary X X X X X X NS Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 022 Delmar Elementary X X X X X X Delmar Middle & High School ‐ Delmar, DE 041 Fruitland Schools FP FP FP FP FI FI FI Bennett MS X X Parkside HS X X X 042 Fruitland Schools FP FP FP FP FI FI FI Bennett MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 061 Charles H. Chipman Elem. X X X GA GA GA GA Salisbury MS X X Parkside HS X X X 062 Glen Avenue Elementary CH CH CH X X X X Wicomico MS X X Parkside HS X X X 063 Glen Avenue Elementary CH CH CH X X X X Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 072 North Salisbury Elementary WS WS WS WS X X X Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 073 North Salisbury Elementary WS WS WS WS X X X Salisbury MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 074 North Salisbury Elementary WS WS WS WS X X X Salisbury MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 081 Northwestern Elementary X X X X X X X Mardela MS X X Mardela HS X X X 091 Pemberton Elementary X X X X X X X Salisbury MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 101 Pinehurst Elementary X X X X X X X Bennett MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 111 Willards Elementary X X X X X PT PT Pittsville MS X X Parkside HS X X X 112 Willards Elementary X X X X X PT PT Pittsville MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 131 Prince Street Elementary X X X X X X X Bennett MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 132 Prince Street Elementary X X X X X X X Wicomico MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 133 Prince Street Elementary X X X X X X X Bennett MS X X Parkside HS X X X 134 Prince Street Elementary X X X X X X X Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 135 Prince Street Elementary X X X X X X X Wicomico MS X X Parkside HS X X X 171 Westside Schools WP WP WP WI WI WI WI Salisbury MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 172 Westside Schools WP WP WP WI WI WI WI Mardela MS X X Mardela HS X X X 999 Letter School Abbreviations 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 Ave WL Willards 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 POLICY Approval Status Index Code Title: Mission, Vision, Philosophy, and Strategic Plan BOE-GEN-PL-024 First Adopted: 09/09/77 Legal Review: 02/24/26 06/27/23 10/17/19 Approved Revisions: 03/10/26 07/11/23 11/12/19 08/13/13 03/11/97 Effective: 03/11/26 07/12/23 11/13/19 08/14/13 03/12/97 Page 1 of 2 WICOMICO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 101 LONG AVE, P.O. BOX 1538, SALISBURY, MD 21802 BOE-GEN-PL-024 Wicomico County Board of Education ϭ Mission,Vision, Philosophy, and Strategic Planning Ϯ ϯ I. Board Mission ϰ The mission of the Wicomico County Board of Education (Board) is to provide leadership, vision, and ϱ support to the Wicomico County Public School (WCPS) system by promoting community ϲ collaboration, ensuring high-quality curriculum, developing responsive policies, overseeing a ϳ responsible and equitable budget, and holding itself accountable for student outcomes and system ϴ performance. ϵ II. School System Mission ϭϬ The mission of WCPS is to provide all students an equitable, world‑class education that empowers ϭϭ them with the knowledge, skills, and character needed to become lifelong learners and responsible, ϭϮ productive citizens. ϭϯ ϭϰ III. Vision Statement ϭϱ Our vision is to empower every student to reach their full potential and to become responsible, engaged ϭϲ citizens in a diverse and ever-changing global society. ϭϳ ϭϴ IV. Educational Philosophy ϭϵ A. Public education in Wicomico County is based on the democratic principle that students have, by ϮϬ right, the opportunity to develop their potential to the fullest. While the pursuit of education is a Ϯϭ right, a privilege and a responsibility that is shared by the school, the student, the home, and ϮϮ religious and other community entities, the primary responsibility for this educational Ϯϯ development lies with the student and the school. Ϯϰ B. The Board and WCPS have a responsibility to develop an understanding of and a respect for Ϯϱ diverse social, economic, cultural, and ethnic groups through the education of students. Equity in Ϯϲ education is a guiding principle, thus the diversity of each individual must be respected. Ϯϳ C. Education in Wicomico County is concerned not only with the intellectual and skill development Ϯϴ of the students but also with other aspects of their growth. Since public education is a continuous Ϯϵ process, it is the responsibility of the Board and WCPS to make its instructional program relevant ϯϬ to the present as well as applicable and useful for the future. ϯϭ D. In Wicomico County, education should be a dynamic process subject to ongoing evaluation, ϯϮ 21
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2027 Wicomico County Board of Education POLICY Approval Status Index Code Title: Mission, Vision, Philosophy, and Strategic Plan BOE-GEN-PL-024 First Adopted: 09/09/77 Legal Review: 02/24/26 06/27/23 10/17/19 Approved Revisions: 03/10/26 07/11/23 11/12/19 08/13/13 03/11/97 Effective: 03/11/26 07/12/23 11/13/19 08/14/13 03/12/97 Page 2 of 2 WICOMICO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 101 LONG AVE, P.O. BOX 1538, SALISBURY, MD 21802 BOE-GEN-PL-024 revision, and updating of existing programs, as well as the implementation of new programs, ϯϯ based upon the needs of students, the latest knowledge and current scientific information as to ϯϰ how individuals learn. ϯϱ E. It is acknowledged that individuals vary greatly in their needs and abilities. Consequently, the ϯϲ school system has an obligation to provide diversified and well-balanced programs. ϯϳ ϯϴ V. Strategic Plan ϯϵ This section shall be effective beginning January 1, 2027. ϰϬ A. The Superintendent shall develop and maintain a multi‑year strategic plan that aligns with this ϰϭ policy. The strategic plan shall identify priority goals, key performance indicators, and major ϰϮ initiatives planned to advance the long‑term direction of the school system. ϰϯ B. The priority goals and performance indicators shall be approved by the Board and used to inform ϰϰ the development of a Strategic Plan. ϰϱ C. The Superintendent shall seek and consider input from WCPS stakeholders in the development of ϰϲ the Strategic Plan. ϰϳ D. A comprehensive draft of the strategic plan, including updates or revisions, shall be submitted to ϰϴ the Board to ensure alignment with the Board’s Mission, Vision, and Educational Philosophy. ϰϵ E. The Superintendent shall implement the plan and provide periodic progress reports at intervals ϱϬ determined by the Board. ϱϭ ϱϮ ϱϯ ϱϰ ϱϱ ϱϲ ϱϳ 22
SUPERINTENDENT STATE OF THE SCHOOLS 2.2 23
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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 School, Intervention & Enrichment Programs • TAD (Thinking and Doing) • Extended Core Curriculum (EX) • Title 1 and Reading / Math Intervention • VPA (Visual & Performing Arts Program) 33
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2027 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 (LRE) (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 $24.76 million, representing 8.67% of the entire WCPS proposed General Fund budget for FY 2027. 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 V2025 34
We continue to see an increase in the number of students designated as Multilingual Learners (ML) with our current total at 14%. 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 80.87% of our student population is eligible for the Free and Reduced Meal (FARM) program and facilities 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 11.3% special education population; this includes any type of student who receives special education services. In addition, 33.2% 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 81.17% 81.23% Y Charles H. Chipman Elementary 100.00% 100.00% Y Delmar Elementary School 48.10% 48.12% Y East Salisbury Elementary School 100.00% 100.00% Y Fruitland Intermediate School 79.20% 79.40% Y Fruitland Primary School 75.64% 75.76% Y Glen Avenue Elementary School 100.00% 100.00% Y High Roads 75.00% 80.00% N James M. Bennett High School 71.78% 71.81% Y Mardela Middle & High School 56.71% 56.77% Y North Salisbury Elementary School 68.37% 68.57% Y Northwestern Elementary School 69.29% 69.51% Y Parkside High School 73.72% 73.79% Y PATH (Positive Actions Transform Horizons) Program 100.00% 100.00% Y Pemberton Elementary School 90.51% 90.54% Y Pinehurst Elementary School 86.78% 86.82% Y Pittsville Elementary & Middle School 75.27% 75.27% Y Prince Street Elementary School 97.35% 97.46% Y Salisbury Middle School 88.22% 88.30% Y West Salisbury Elementary 100.00% 100.00% Y Westside Intermediate School 67.62% 67.85% Y Westside Primary School 76.67% 76.95% Y Wicomico Choices Academy 100.00% 100.00% Y Wicomico High School 86.37% 86.45% Y Wicomico Middle School 92.87% 92.97% Y Willards Elementary School 79.40% 79.56% Y 2025‐2026 Free and Reduced‐Price Meals Eligibility & Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Figure 2 14% ML Multilingual 11% 81% FARM 33% Chronic Health 35
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2027 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 Facility Inventory section 5.1 for a list of 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. 36
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 26 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, and information technology clusters. CTE 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 by approximately 1,231 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 • 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 37
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2027 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, 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 19 CTE staff members. Students who complete ATEX I have satisfied onehalf 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 20252026), there are 170 Cadets enrolled in JROTC. The Cadets come from all high schools in the district, to participate in the program located at Wicomico High School. That includes James M. Bennett High School, Mardela Middle and High School, Parkside High School, and Wicomico High School. 38
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. 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, and the Instructors are 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 benefits of JROTC are reflected in metrics below impacting all schools in the U.S. Specific to Wicomico High School, 51% of our cadets have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, 90% attendance, and 85% of senior cadets enlist in the military or attend a 2 or 4 year college institution. Average School JROTC Attendance 88% 90% Graduation 86% 99% In-Discipline 15% 5% Drop-Out 3% 1% GPA 2.47 2.83 JROTC is a successful program, making substantial contributions to students, schools, and our communities which benefit greatly from its presence. JROTC has met the U.S. Army Cadet Command threshold of having a minimum of 150 Cadets in the program, for the past two years, to add a third Army Instructor. 39
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2027 FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN A full day kindergarten program is implemented in all 11 primary/elementary locations serving 1,225 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 • Chipman Elementary • Delmar Elementary • Fruitland Primary • Northwestern Elementary • Pemberton Elementary PREKINDERGARTEN Prekindergarten is a program for four-year-old children who meet eligibility criteria, including those identified as living at the poverty level based on current federal poverty guidelines and/ or meeting the federal definition of homelessness. Students receive daily instruction in developmentally appropriate learning environments designed to prepare them for kindergarten. Priority enrollment is given to students with disabilities and multilingual learners, ensuring that those with the greatest need for early intervention and language development services have access to high-quality early childhood education. Prekindergarten is offered at all 11 primary/elementary locations listed above. They receive funding through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which supports full-day programming and expands access for eligible students across income levels. Four of the eleven sites also receive Judy Center Grant funding to provide additional comprehensive services for children and families. The district has adopted the Connect4Learning curricula for use in prekindergarten classrooms. Instruction is delivered through integrated, project-based units of study that engage students in meaningful exploration of a variety of topics, promoting school readiness and foundational skill development. Approximately 800 four-year-old children participate in the program across all locations. Each classroom is designed to serve up to 20 students and is staffed by a certified teacher and an instructional assistant to ensure high-quality instruction and support. All eligible children who apply to the program are accepted in accordance with COMAR regulations. • Pinehurst Elementary • Prince Street Elementary • West Salisbury Elementary • Westside Primary • Willards Elementary 40
JUDY CENTER EARLY LEARNING HUB The Judy Center Early Learning Hub serves children from birth through age five and their families within designated school attendance areas. This grant-funded, comprehensive early childhood initiative provides coordinated services that support school readiness and promote continuous growth in children’s cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development. Through a collaborative network of community partners, the Judy Center connects families to a wide range of resources, including early learning opportunities, family engagement activities, and support services. Children and families may also access community-based services such as vision screenings, dental care, and mental health supports, ensuring a holistic approach to development and well-being. Participation in Judy Center services is limited to families residing within the specific school boundary areas identified in the grant, allowing for targeted support and sustained impact within those communities. The attendance areas presently served by the Judy Center Programs are: • Beaver Run Elementary • Chipman Elementary • Pemberton Elementary • West Salisbury Elementary HORIZONS DELMARVA 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 7th 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 lifesaving skill. The curriculum is further enhanced by a variety of field trips and servicelearning 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 of family engagement events and parent workshops. 41
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2027 EARLY LEARNING TRANSITIONS (ELT) Early Learning Transitions (ELT) is a specialized, short-term intervention program designed to support students in Prekindergarten through Grade 2 who require additional development in social skills and self-regulation. The program provides a structured and supportive learning environment with a low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for individualized instruction aligned to each student’s developmental and behavioral needs. Within ELT, students receive explicit instruction in social-emotional competencies, including self-management, peer interaction, and appropriate behavioral responses. Individualized behavioral goals are established for each student, with ongoing progress monitoring to inform instructional adjustments and ensure measurable growth. The program is supported by a multidisciplinary team, including school-based Social Workers and Counselors, who provide targeted interventions and collaborate with instructional staff to address students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs in a comprehensive manner. Early Learning Transitions is designed to build student capacity for success within the general education setting. Through intentional skill development and coordinated support, the program facilitates a smooth and successful transition back to students’ home schools, promoting longterm academic engagement and positive school experiences. Beyond direct instruction within the program, the ELT staff provides vital outreach by supporting students directly within their home schools. By collaborating closely with school-based teams to assist with interventions in the student’s primary learning environment, the program ensures that all students receive the specific, targeted level of support they need to thrive. POSITIVE ACTIONS TRANSFORM HORIZONS (PATH) The Positive Actions Transform Horizons (PATH) program is a specialized, 45-day intervention designed to provide targeted support for students in grades 2 through 5 within Wicomico County Public Schools. This program serves as a critical layer of tiered support which provides an individualized approach tailored to each student’s unique needs. By delivering these personalized interventions, PATH aims to equip students with the specific strategies and tools required to transition smoothly and remain successful within a general education classroom setting. At the heart of the PATH program is a dedicated team of staff members who prioritize a collaborative, holistic approach to student growth. To ensure sustainable success, the program actively works with the student’s homeschool, parents or guardians, and community members. This multi-faceted partnership ensures that the individualized support provided during the intervention is reinforced across all areas of a child’s life, creating a unified foundation that empowers students to reach their full potential. 42
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 • Chipman Elementary • Delmar Elementary • East Salisbury Elementary • Fruitland Intermediate • Glen Avenue Elementary • North Salisbury Elementary • Pemberton Elementary • Pinehurst Elementary TITLE I SCHOOLS Wicomico County Board of Education maintains and supports Title 1 Programs at the following locations: • Beaver Run Elementary • Chipman Elementary • East Salisbury Elementary • Fruitland Primary • Glen Avenue Elementary • West Salisbury Elementary • Willards 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 • Westside Primary 43
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2027 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 31 students enrolled in this program, 12 in art, 11 in theatre, and 8 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 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 87 students enrolled in the high school orchestra program: 34 at James M. Bennett, 23 at Parkside, 14 at Mardela, and 16 at Wicomico High. For rehearsals, the program makes use of the band room at James M. Bennett, the chorus room and stage at Parkside, the band room at Wicomico High, and the orchestra room at 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. Currently there are 148 students enrolled in the middle school string programs: 13 students at Mardela, 51 at Bennett Middle, 7 at Pittsville Middle, 40 at Salisbury Middle, and 37 at Wicomico Middle. For rehearsals, the program makes use of rehearsal rooms at Pittsville, Mardela, and Bennett Middle, and the stages at Wicomico Middle and Salisbury Middle. 44
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