News Stories

Howard County Reports Graduation Rate for Class of 2025

January 28th, 2026

The Maryland State Department of Education on Jan. 27 released graduation and dropout rates for the Class of 2025. The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Class of 2025 achieved a graduation rate of 91.3%, 4.9 percentage points higher than the State average of 86.4%. Both HCPSS and state graduation rates saw a slight decrease […]

Howard County Dance Festival, Rescheduled for Feb. 7, 2026

January 26th, 2026

This event has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 7 The public is invited to attend the 2026 Howard County Dance Festival, featuring performances by all 13 high school dance companies and the 2025-2026 All-County Dance Performance Ensemble. The event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 from 7-9:00 p.m. at Guilford Park High School […]

Gemini AI for High School Students

January 21st, 2026

Effective Jan. 27, 2026, all high school students will have access to Gemini AI, an HCPSS-approved digital tool that helps students explore ideas, solve problems, and engage in creative and critical thinking. AI is an essential and evolving part of the modern workplace and daily life. By safely integrating Gemini AI, HCPSS aims to: Help […]

HCPSS Superintendent Presents Proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget

January 8th, 2026

On January 8, 2026, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Superintendent William J. Barnes presented his proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 (FY 2027) to the Board of Education. In total, the Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget is $1.278 billion, which reflects an increase of $61.9 million, or 5.1% over fiscal year 2026. The proposed budget […]

Judges Needed for Howard County History Day, to be Held March 21, 2026

January 7th, 2026

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is seeking judges for its 22nd District National History Day competition on Saturday, March 21 at Guilford Park High School (8500 Ridgleys Run Road, Jessup). Howard County’s district competition is part of the Maryland History Day program, which serves as the official affiliate for National History Day, a […]

Proposed HCPSS Instructional Resources on Display through Jan. 9, 2026

December 18th, 2025

In accordance with Howard County Board of Education Policy 8000 Curriculum, new instructional resources that are being recommended for use in an upcoming school year must be displayed for public review. Newly recommended instructional resources for the 2026-2027 school year are on display for review in the lobby of the Department of Education, 10910 Clarksville […]

Adjustments to 2025-2026 Board of Education Meeting Schedule

December 16th, 2025

Beginning in January 2026, the Howard County Board of Education will implement a new meeting schedule on a trial basis for the first quarter of the year (January-March), shifting to one regular monthly meeting instead of two.

Board of Education Finalizes Attendance Area Adjustment Plan for 2026-2027 School Year

December 5th, 2025

On December 4, the Howard County Board of Education finalized its Attendance Area Adjustment Plan for the 2026-2027 school year to alleviate crowding at Bryant Woods Elementary School.

Reminder! HCPSS Emergency Notification Procedures

December 1st, 2025

As we move into winter, families are reminded of the HCPSS emergency notification procedures, including during inclement weather.

Barriers to Belonging Survey

November 19th, 2025

Español | 中文 | 한국어 The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) values a culture of belonging by striving for a welcoming, safe, affirming, and supportive environment for all. Bullying, the use of slurs, and other forms of hate or bias are direct barriers to achieving inclusiveness and belonging. A climate assessment of middle and […]