SB 113 State Board of Education - Membership - School Principal

BILL: SB 113

TITLE: State Board of Education - Membership - School Principal

DATE: January 29, 2025

POSITION: Support

COMMITTEE: Senate Education, Energy & the Environment Committee

CONTACT: Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director, PSSAM

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The Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM), on behalf of all

twenty-four public school superintendents, supports Senate Bill 113.

Senate Bill 113 would add an active, certified principal to the Maryland State Board of

Education (MSDE). This bill would require a state-wide election to be held for all active and

certified principals in the State, as well as require that the principal member who receives the

highest number of votes be appointed to the vacancy by the Governor. Additionally, Senate Bill 598 provides parameters for the voting capacity and term length of the principal member.

Maryland’s superintendents have found value in the distinct voices on the State Board through elections, such as the teacher and student members. PSSAM sees this legislation as a natural extension of the diverse membership goals of the Board, as well as a vehicle for adequate representation of school leadership, which is essential for equitable outcomes in education.

PSSAM understands amendments may be under discussion between the sponsor and the State Board, and we certainly yield to the wisdom and direction of those discussions and decisions by this Committee.

For these reasons, PSSAM supports Senate Bill 113 and urges a favorable committee report.