Carol Lofstedt and Joyce Goodwin

A bequest of $3,000,000 from Carol Ruth Lofstedt’s Revocable Trust to the Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation established through Mid-Shore Community Foundation will benefit the educators and students of Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS).  This bequest is made in memory of Dr. Joyce Arline Goodwin, Ph.D., Ms. Lofstedt’s long-time partner.  The gift will be used to “assist teachers who are in need of additional funds for classroom supplies, teaching tools, classroom equipment, and program curriculum” and to “support and encourage innovative teaching and creative learning” as directed in Ms. Lofstedt’s Trust. 

Both Ms. Lofstedt, who passed away in January 2022 at the age of 88, and Dr. Goodwin who passed away in 2018, were passionate about education and loved children.  “Carol and Joyce were lifelong educators who taught most of their years in the New York City public schools and Bronx Community College in Bronx, New York,” explained JoRhea Nagel Wright, Esq., Trustee of the Lofstedt Trust. “During Joyce’s career as a public school teacher, Carol witnessed first-hand how classroom needs and teacher supplies were frequently underfunded and how often Joyce and her teaching colleagues spent their own money trying to improve their classrooms and offer creative learning experiences for their students.”

Ms. Lofstedt earned a BS/RN from Skidmore College, and an MA in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing/Education from New York University.  After graduating from Skidmore College, Carol worked with Parkinson’s patients as a head nurse/assistant supervisor on a surgical unit. She left the hospital to pursue her Master’s degree with a desire to help better meet the emotional needs of her patients. Following graduation from NYU in 1962, she remained there to teach psychiatric mental health nursing to graduate students. She then taught associate degree students and headed the Psychiatric Nursing program at Bronx Community College in Bronx, NY, from 1964 until her retirement in 1991. During that period, Carol was granted a sabbatical and wrote a psychiatric nursing workbook to accompany a psychiatric nursing textbook.

Dr. Goodwin was born in Brooklyn, NY, and spent most of her life in New York State.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Teaching at Hunter College, and a Ph.D. in education from New York University. Joyce dedicated her life to teaching and reaching out to special needs children. She especially loved middle school-age children and enjoyed sharing stories about the humorous side of teaching, and the achievements, antics, and accomplishments of her students. Having spent most of her career in the New York City public school system, she retired from the Ardsley Public Schools. Joyce and Carol relocated to Talbot County in 2005.

“Carol loved Talbot County and wanted to provide a significant gift to Talbot County Public Schools in honor of Joyce’s legacy which would have a meaningful impact on students and teachers and allow them to focus on creatively educating their students without concern for underfunded classroom needs and lack of school supplies,” Mrs. Wright added. 

The TCPS Education Foundation’s mission is “to support public education by raising and distributing funds to fulfill needs and opportunities inspired by TCPS educators and students”.  Founded in 2016, the foundation has awarded nearly $200,000 in grants for classroom materials, field trips, fine arts and after-school programs that are not covered in the public budget.  They have also funded scholarships, and mental health services for students, and raised more than $100,000 to support connectivity for students during and after the pandemic.  Most recently, the Foundation partnered with Easton High Support our Sports and Band, and the Grayce B. Kerr Fund to provide new uniforms for the Easton High Marching Band for the first time since the mid to late 1990’s.

“We are deeply grateful for this transformative gift,” said Debbie Gardner, Director of Communications for TCPS and Administrator of the Education Foundation. “Ms. Lofstedt’s generosity will profoundly impact students and teachers both now and in the future,” added Buck Duncan, President of Mid-Shore Community Foundation. The past and current members of the Education Foundation Board have worked diligently to build an organization that can and will fulfill Ms. Lofstedt’s vision.”  

“This gift could not have come at a better time,” explains David Short, CPA and Foundation Board Chair.  “We are in the process of completing a new strategic plan.  In our stakeholder interviews, it was clear that teachers and students need additional support, sometimes for even the most basic of supplies.  Thus, the spirit of this gift speaks directly to the needs of our schools.  Not only will we work to get these funds into the classroom, but we hope that this gift encourages others to join in and support us, so that we can continue to fund the needs of teachers and classrooms in Talbot County at a higher level into the future. On behalf of the Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation Board, I share my appreciation for this bequest, which will make an enormous impact in Talbot County classrooms.”

The Education Foundation invites the community to join them in celebrating public education and supporting our teachers at their annual fundraising event, Mission Possible, which will take place on November 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Oxford Community Center. The Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation Funds are component funds of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, a public foundation designated as a 501(c)(3) charity. Gifts to the Funds are fully tax-deductible as allowable by law (EIN: 52-1782373). To learn more or to make a donation visit www.tcpsef.org.

Photo Attached – left – Carol Lofstedt; right – Joyce Goodwin

Dr. Saelens, Dr. Sprankle, and Mr. Bell surprised Mrs. Schulte at KIHS with the great news! Pictured left to right – Dr. Rankin, Mr. Harding, Mrs. Schulte, Dr. Saelens, Mr. Bell, and Dr. Sprankle.

Today, the Maryland State Board of Education and Maryland State Department of Education announced the names of the seven finalists who will compete to be named the 2023-2024 Maryland Teacher of the Year. The finalists were selected by a panel of judges from key Maryland education organizations representing principals, teachers, school boards, teacher unions, parents, and higher education.

Mrs. Andrea Schulte, Visual Arts teacher at Kent Island High School, was named as a Maryland State Teacher of the Year Finalist! The 2023-2024 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a gala reception and dinner at Martin’s West in Baltimore on October 13, 2023. The winner will receive cash awards, national traveling opportunities, and participate in several national meetings and conferences. The press release from MSDE can be found here.

Two new public employee unions had extra cause to celebrate this Labor Day weekend.

New faculty unions at Howard Community College and Frederick Community College were certified and recognized last week under a state law governing unionization on community college campuses.

Howard and Frederick are the first community college faculties in Maryland to organize after the General Assembly passed a collective bargaining bill in 2021, over the veto of former Gov. Larry Hogan (R).

On Wednesday, the full-time faculty at the campuses were recognized as members of AFT-Maryland by the state Public Employee Relations Board.

The unions were formed under a new “card check” law, through which unions are recognized if more than 50% of bargaining unit members sign authorization cards saying they’d like to join.

After months of organizing, more than 80% of the 170 faculty members at Howard Community College and 100 faculty members at Frederick submitted cards to the board on Aug. 21.

The American Federation of Teachers Maryland now represents about 18,000 employees across the state.

The community colleges are among 54 new units organized this year by the AFT, the nation’s largest higher education union. Its total membership is now at a record high of 1.72 million, union leaders said.

“Higher ed faculty want unions — and the more workers who are organized, the more students see that respect and voice leads to greater opportunity, that’s the way more families have access to the middle class,” AFT’s national president, Randi Weingarten, said. “That’s why it is such a hot labor summer.”

Union members at the Frederick and Howard campuses said they undertook the organizing effort to address ever-increasing workloads, inadequate compensation and other issues they hope to deal with as a collective voice.

“I’m for unionizing because faculty know what’s best for our students, our schools and higher education, and a union and a contract will finally give us our say. Administrators tell us how to do our jobs without knowing their way around a classroom. But when it comes to our students and their learning, I trust my colleagues. I trust faculty,” Howard Community College English instructor Tim Bruno said in a statement.

The college issued a statement last week after the union’s certification and recognition.

“As HCC and AFT embark on this new chapter of cooperation, both parties look forward to working closely together. The shared goal is to cultivate an environment that promotes excellence, innovation, and the continued advancement of education,” a press release stated.

In Frederick, the unionization effort comes after allegations of bullying and harassment by former President Elizabeth Burmaster, who left the college in 2021 following protests and a no-confidence vote.

“The history of the institution shows that no existing organization, including FCC’s board of trustees and various state and regional accreditation organizations, will protect faculty and other employees from abusive administrators. The solidarity and power we are creating with our union will ensure our protection,” Greg Coldren, a member of the school’s math faculty, said in a statement.

Ray Baker, a spokesperson for AFT-Maryland, said the new unions will help faculty members elevate their concerns collectively — and improve outcomes for students on their campuses.

“Unions do not necessarily have to be adversarial. In the best situations, unions and campus leadership work hand-in-hand because they have shared goals and shared values,” Baker said.

Nationally, Baker said he thinks labor unions are growing because “workers are looking around and saying ‘This is a little tougher than it used to be. This is a little harder than it used to be. I know we’re not getting the benefits that this work once delivered.’”

“So the way that you remedy that, the way that workers can find some power for themselves again, is through a union,” Baker said. “And that’s why we’re seeing this increased interest.”

Before passage of the 2021 collective bargaining law, some employee groups were already organized at the Community College of Baltimore County, Montgomery College, and Prince George’s Community College.

There are additional faculty organizing efforts by AFT-Maryland underway now at the Community College of Baltimore County and Prince George’s Community College.

“Hopefully very soon we will be adding them to our labor family as well,” Baker said.

And at Anne Arundel Community College, the push for a unionization vote is underway.

In May, Service Employees International Union Local 500 filed a representation election petition with the state, seeking to become the exclusive representative of part-time faculty there.

The new labor actions have gone forward under the purview of the Public Employee Relations Board, a new panel that was created by The Public Employee Relations Act passed by the General Assembly earlier this year. The new board replaces and consolidates three former panels: the State Labor Relations Board, the State Higher Education Labor Relations Board, and the Public School Labor Relations Board.

Gov. Wes Moore (D) named the first members of the new Public Employee Relations Board in August. The members are subject to confirmation by the Maryland Senate.

By Danielle E. Gaines

The Board went into closed Executive Session at 4:30 pm to discuss personnel, negotiations, legal matters, and administrative functions. Board President Susan Morgan opened the Public Meeting at 6:16 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance and review of the Board Calendar (see below).

Choptank ES Principal Gaven Parker described his personal goals as Principal of CES for the 2023-24 school year to be (i) concentrating on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS ), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and discipline; (ii) creating consistency in roles and responsibilities, instruction, and social emotional learning; and (iii) bringing energy to CES through culture, climate and rebranding.  He described 9 specific goals for CES for the year to include (i) meeting the MCAP Annual Measurable Objective (AMO) target of 36.38% of students being proficient in English Language Arts; (ii) reducing Significantly-Below-Grade-Level (i.e., emergency) Ratings in Independent Reading Level (IRL) by 21%; (iii) achieving the MCAP AMO target of 40.22% of students being proficient in Math; (iv) decreasing the number of students performing two-or-more-levels below grade levels by 30% on the iReady Math Diagnostic; (v) 65% of English Learners attaining English language proficiency; (vi) increasing Average Daily Attendance (ADA) to 90%; (vii) improving student and staff perception of school climate and culture; (viii) decreasing out of school suspension hours by 25%; and (ix) increasing parent engagement.

Maces Lane MS Principal Patricia Prosser described the MLMS academic and behavioral goals for the 2023-24 School Year to be (i) 100% growth in reading for each student; (ii) 50% of students either approaching or at grade level; (iii) decreasing suspensions by 20%; (iv) decreasing acts of violence by 50%; (v) reducing disrespect/disruption to less than 8%; and (vi) decreasing class elopement to less than 10%. Actions to achieve the academic goals include (i) moving to a 6-period day to increase instructional time in Core content; (ii) class scheduling to increase CORE instructional time by 156 more hours for the year); (iii) devoting the first period class every day to 45-minute CORE Support Intervention tailored to each child; and (iv) focused school-based professional development for teachers on district-wide reading initiatives such Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR) strategies. Actions to achieve the behavioral goals include (i) creating clear structure; (ii) instituting a No-Cell-Phone policy; (iii) implementing the Keep Kids in Class Tier 1 initiative; (iv) dedicating 4-adult response teams for each hallway to redirect students appropriately; (v) utilizing social support rooms and groups; (vi) implementing an email hall pass system; and consistent classroom rules throughout the building. 

Board Members expressed strong support for the initiatives described at Choptank ES and Maces Lane MS.  They stressed the need for ongoing team meetings that evaluate progress on a continuing basis, regular reports to the Board on progress, and certificated teachers in all classrooms.

No members of the public delivered comments for presentation at the meeting, either orally or in writing.

The Board approved the personnel appointments (to be announced shortly) as discussed during the Executive Session and recognized the following recent appointees: Myesha Ford, Principal, Maple Elementary School, effective August 7; Anna Howie, Interim Principal, Mace’s Lane Middle School, effective July 17;  Bobbie Matthews, Assistant Principal, Choptank Elementary School, effective July 17; Amanda Robinson, Assistant Principal, Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, effective July 17; and Sandra Green, Chief Financial Officer, Central Office,  effective August 28.  The Board also approved selection of John Kahl as ESMEC Health Insurance Alliance Trustee for Dorchester County Board of Education.

The Board approved an Amendment to the General Operating Budget to reflect actual and projected expenditures, as well as the following:  Soliant contract (with 30-day discontinuation provision) for a special education teacher at NDLA and for students in the Home and Hospital Program ($105,300); White Boards & Interactive Projectors for Choptank ES ($26,939); Raptor Technologies School Safety Suite Platform ($37,801 for 3 years, plus $17,000 annually thereafter); Move This World library of evidenced-based exercises to equip elementary school students with the ability to identify, express, and manage emotions, contingent upon a schedule for use in each school ($28,319); 3-Year Preventive Maintenance Contract on all Chillers and Cooling Towers at CSD, NDLA, VES, WES, SHES, MES ($120,712); DCPS/Chesapeake College/Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board MOU for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future ($26,854). The Board also approved adoption (and purchase of hard copies) of the textbook, Environmental Science for the AP Course, Bedford, Freeman, and Worth Publishers, 2023 ($85,000).  The Board tabled approval of the Seven Mindsets Tier I scaffolded social emotional leaning curriculum for secondary school students ($64,800 for 2 years), contingent upon receipt of additional information to include a schedule for use in each school.

The Board received information on the Corsica River Mental School-Based Health Services MOU, the Holistic Health School-Based MOU, the 5-year Preferred Vendor Agreement with Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore 2022-2028 (in support of the DCPS financial literacy program, the career counseling program, and Maryland Blueprint goals), and the DCPS Safe Return to School Final Plan Update. 

The Appropriation & Expenditures Report and the Capital Projects Report contained nothing out of the ordinary.

Board members thanked the principals and their leadership teams for their presentations tonight, as well as the Executive Team for their work in preparing for the coming school year. Board members welcomed new and returning teachers and encouraged students and parents to take advantage of the opportunities available from DCPS and expressed enthusiasm for implementation this year of a results-oriented, data-driven approach that emphasizes informed decision making and civility. Members stressed their availability to the community and encouraged members of the community to approach them with their issues and concerns.

The Superintendent thanked everyone who attended or watched tonight’s meeting, as well the DCPS personnel who made presentations this evening.  He welcomed and thanked new and returning teachers and staff, including those who are preparing buildings for the new year and those engaged in the many planning activities necessary for a successful school year.  He acknowledged the start of this year’s athletic activities and encouraged students and parents to take advantage of the opportunities available from DCPS this year.

Governor Moore interacts with student at Benedictine

Governor Wes Moore toured the Benedictine campus in Ridgely on Thursday on his way to the 2023 Maryland Association of Counties summer conference. The tour was conducted by Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans and Education Director Julie Hickey. Joined by Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty, the tour also included members of the Benedictine leadership team, board members, Benedictine’s students, adults, family members and staff. Congressman Andy Harris’ office Community Liaison Mike Arntz; Delegate Jeff Ghrist; Senator Johnny Mautz; and Ridgely Town Commissioner Anthony Casey also joined the group.

The Governor’s tour included an opportunity to sit in on a class on the student’s first day back to school. He also visited a residential suite where Evans and Hickey explained the need to upgrade the facilities to meet the changing demographic of students who have moderate to severe autistic and behavioral challenges.

The Benedictine campus also has vocational training spaces and recreational facilities which are utilized by both students and supported adults. The Governor met supported adults who talked about their work experiences in the community and vocational activities they participate in on campus.

“All of us at Benedictine want to thank the Governor and his staff for touring Benedictine. What a great opportunity to show what we do here at Benedictine in supporting those living with developmental disabilities and autism. The Governor’s engagement with our students and supported adults was truly inspirational to witness,” commented Benedictine Executive Director Scott Evans.

The original school and residential suites were built in the early 1960’s and the Transforming a Campus to Transform Lives master plan has been developed to address obsolescence, safety, and health issues of the current and future student population that attend school and reside on campus. The first phase of the project is to renovate and construct new residential suites for the school-age population, a new nursing and kitchen facility, and new traffic access improvements.

For more information about Benedictine and how you can support this organization, ple