HCPSSPress Releases
Howard County Reports Record High Graduation Rate for Class of 2021
The Howard County Public School System Class of 2021 achieved a graduation rate of 94.05%, which exceeds the Maryland average of 87.2 percent and the highest rate since 2011. The 2021 graduation rate is a 1.26 percentage point increase from the Class of 2019.
Howard County Board of Education Renews Contract for Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano
At its Feb. 10, 2022, meeting, the Howard County Board of Education voted to renew the contract of Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano through the 2025-2026 school year.
Board of Education to Add Superintendent Contract to Meeting Agenda for Feb. 10, 2022
The Board of Education will announce a decision related to the Superintendent Contract during its Feb. 10, 2022, meeting.
HCPSS Staff to Receive $1,800 Public Employee Commitment Bonus
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Public School System today announced that all full-time HCPSS employees will receive a $1,800 Public Education Commitment Bonus this school year, among the highest bonuses in the State. Bonuses will be prorated for part-time employees.
Howard County Public School System Increases Substitute Pay By 25 Percent
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is implementing a 25% increase to the daily rate for substitute teachers, as approved by the Board of Education. This increase, which takes effect January 13, 2022, will be funded as part of the Howard County Public School System’s (HCPSS) FY22 Operating Budget. High demand for substitute teachers exists throughout Maryland. The new pay increase places HCPSS among the highest paying districts in the state for substitute teachers, helping to attract top candidates to the position.
Board Schedules Jan. 12, 2022 Meeting on COVID-Related Updates
The Howard County Board of Education will hold a hybrid session on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, from 3-5 p.m. to discuss school system updates related to the COVID pandemic.
Nominations for Friends of Education Award Accepted Through Feb. 7, 2022
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 Friends of Education Award. Any Howard County resident or non-profit group, organization, association, or business located in or serving Howard County may be nominated for the award. Previous award recipients are not eligible. The nomination deadline is Monday, Feb. 7, 2022.
Proposed HCPSS Instructional Materials on Display through Jan. 12, 2022
Instructional materials recommended for the first time will be on display and available for review in the lobby of the Department of Education at 10910 Clarksville Pike in Ellicott City through Jan. 12, 2022. The materials will be displayed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Dec. 17, 2021 through January 12, 2022, excluding December 24, 27, and 30-31. Any community member may review displayed materials and express approval or requests for reevalulation.
HCPSS Seeks Members for Grading and Reporting Policy Advisory Committee, Apply by Dec. 13, 2021
HCPSS is currently seeking candidates for membership on the advisory committee for the revision of Policy 8020 Grading and Reporting: Middle and High School. Members of this committee attend 3-4 meetings to discuss and make policy recommendations to the Superintendent. Residents interested in participating may submit a statement of interest online by Monday, Dec. 13, 2021.
HCPSS Updates Transportation Bus Contracts Agreement
The Board of Education took further action to make sure the contract amendment covers the payroll cost bus contractors must pay for the bonuses given to bus drivers and attendants. The Board agreed to increase the bonus payment overhead cost rate provided to contractors from 10% to 25%.