This week brought two major announcements.
Last Friday, District 6 (Annapolis and nearby areas) County Councilwoman Lisa Rodvien announced on social media that she will not run for re-election to a third term. I was not surprised, because I know how hard it is for her and others to balance Council responsibilities with a career that pays the bills.
It’s no secret that Councilwoman Rodvien and I have been close allies in many legislative battles, particularly things related to fighting poverty, improving the environment, education, and getting big money out of politics through the new public campaign finance program. She serves with such conviction and moral clarity that almost everyone admires her service. She does things her way, and she’s leaving on her own terms. I have no doubt that she will continue to fight the battles for justice that have driven her in this job as long as she lives, and I hope to stand by her side as she does.
On Monday, District 7 (Crofton and south county) Councilwoman Shannon Leadbetter announced on social media that she will not run for re-election to a second term, or for any other seat. I’ll be honest here. A part of me celebrated. She’s a Republican who voted no on my first two budgets, and voted against some bills that I strongly supported. It’s a district that with the right candidate matchup in the right political environment could elect somebody more aligned with my views.
But I like Shannon Leadbetter. I really do. I’ve watched her struggle with difficult decisions, listen carefully to her constituents, and display a level of both honesty and professionalism that makes working with her a pleasure. And she works hard. Both parties will have to search far and wide to find candidates that can live up to the standard that Councilwoman Leadbetter has set. As a resident of District 7, I hope we succeed.
But onto the here and the now.
Over 85,000 kids returned this week to our Anne Arundel County Public Schools, entering new classes that offer new experiences. Half of the revenue that County government collects each year is spent in our school system. I, my staff, and the County Council make hard decisions about what to fund in the Board of Education’s budget request, and we all hope for what Superintendent Dr. Bedell calls a good return on investment.
The ribbon cutting last week to celebrate the $124 million restoration of Meade High School is a bricks and mortar return that will boost the morale of the Mustangs for many years to come, but yesterday Dr. Bedell called to share his excitement about something even better. Test scores at Meade, a school with students from military families, public housing, and the most diverse neighborhoods in our county, skyrocketed last year.
In fact, scores across our county were up in 10 of the 11 grade band assessments in English Language Arts, math, and science. While some of the assessment tools have changed, the overall picture is that we’ve finally returned to pre-pandemic performance, and the higher results for younger kids will likely show up with even more progress when they move up the grade levels.
Good education starts with good teachers. Our county’s teachers were among the lowest paid before I and four members of the County Council made some hard decisions about revenue and spending seven years ago. We paid back step increases, grew starting salaries, and did everything that we could to deliver fair raises in each of our budgets. COVID took a toll on teacher retention, and in the post COVID years it was hard to hire for any position. But this year it all paid off.
The school year started with 32 vacancies, and that number could well drop below 30 in the coming days. That means our vacancy rate is 0.5%, while the national teacher vacancy rate is 12.5%. Teacher applications are also up. I’m told that we’re hiring only the best applicants. People want to teach in our schools again!
I’m not suggesting that all is roses in our schools. Much more can and should be done, starting with delivering the Blueprint’s recommendation to increase collaborative time, giving teachers the freedom to work with students individually and plan their lessons. But things are looking up.
Another success story is Anne Arundel County Public Libraries (AACPL). You’ll have to listen to my upcoming Pittman and Friends Podcast episode with AACPL CEO Skip Auld to hear the full story of the progress they are making, especially for pre-school children in a way that boosts our all-important kindergarten readiness. Parents love to bring their kids to the activities at our Discoveries Library at the Annapolis Mall, and that’s why we’ve just expanded it. That ribbon cutting was today, and you should really stop by.
It’s Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy the perfect weather. And thank the workers, especially the essential workers, who do their jobs when we need them so that others can play, or learn, or simply survive. Thank them and respect them, especially when they organize for economic justice. Because that benefits all of us.
Until next week…