The Dorchester County Board of Education received good news at its Nov. 20 meeting when Cambridge-South Dorchester High School Principal Tara Suffolke announced the school’s new three-star state rating and its substantial progress for English language learners.
Superintendent Dr. Jymil Thompson added that the school saw improvements in overall academic performance, graduation rates, and ninth-grade success. He emphasized robust gains among English language learners, who made the most significant progress in the district’s accountability metrics.
Board Vice President Talibah Chikwendu underscored the significance of the results, saying the performance placed Dorchester “among the top in the country” for English-learner progress.
Earlier in the day, the school marked the achievement with a banner unveiling and a celebration with students, families, and staff.
Next Generation Scholars Reports a 95 Percent Graduation Rate
Voncia Molock, a program specialist for the Maryland Business Roundtable’s Next Generation Scholars initiative, shared a detailed update on its impact at Cambridge-South Dorchester.
The program currently serves 409 students, including 19 English learners and 49 students with IEP or 504 plans. Among participating seniors, 95 percent graduated, and students collectively earned more than $2 million in scholarships and grants.
Molock said the program focuses on one-on-one advising, career exploration, financial literacy, and college preparation. She noted that 11th-grade participants matched or exceeded their peers in English and math performance and had 27 percent fewer suspension days.
The presentation sparked discussion about expanding access to students at North Dorchester High School, who are not currently part of the grant-funded program. Student board member Christian Thomas-McNamara suggested offering virtual sessions so North Dorchester students can benefit.
Molock said she supports the idea and will explore options with her organization. Board members expressed interest in expanding the program, though funding restrictions may limit immediate changes.
Board Weighs Challenges in Dual Enrollment
The Board also discussed expanding dual enrollment and early college offerings, a requirement under Maryland’s Blueprint for Education Reform.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jodi Colman said the District is working with Chesapeake College to expand opportunities. Still, a significant hurdle is that many high school teachers lack the graduate-level coursework needed to teach college-credit classes.
Chikwendu asked whether Chesapeake could send instructors to teach classes on-site at Dorchester schools. Colman said the college is open to exploring the idea, but staffing and cost issues remain.
Board member Brandy Dawson Cumberland raised concerns about the pressure placed on high-achieving students, noting many juggle Advanced Placement classes, extracurriculars, and college-level coursework. She questioned how the district can balance ambition with student well-being.
Maple Elementary to Receive New ADA-accessible Playground
The board unanimously approved a $79,900 contract with GameTime to install new playground equipment at Maple Elementary School, including ADA-accessible features.
Assistant Superintendent Colman said the school has not had new equipment “for many years.” Board members praised the project, and Christopher M. Wheedleton made the motion to approve it.
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