governor reads to elementary students
Improving Public Education

To improve public safety and public education in every part of our state.

"Working together, we've made tremendous progress for our #1-ranked, best-in-the-nation public school system. We've secured the largest investment in K-12 education in Maryland history by fully funding Thornton and GCEI for the first time. And for the first time ever, public school construction investment over three years will exceed $1 billion, ensuring that our children can move from temporary learning shacks to state-of-the-art facilities. Our high school students are now out-pacing their counterparts nationwide on AP exams, and we've frozen in-state tuition for a fourth straight year to make college more affordable for our children. We've also increased community college funding during this time of economic uncertainty, when more families turn to our community colleges for their higher learning needs. "

Maryland's Students Celebrate Their Accomplishments at the Statehouse

Governor Martin O'Malley Congratulates Maryland's Top Public High Schools

Maryland has the highest percentage of schools on Newsweek's list with 83 high schools designated among America's Top High Schools

Governor Martin O’Malley congratulated all of the educators, students, and families who have worked so hard to make Maryland's schools the best in the nation, as test scores have risen in every county, every grade, every subject and across every single demographic line - with white students, black students, high income and low income students of all ages testing higher today than they did five years ago.

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2009 Legislative Accomplishments

  • Secured record funding for Maryland’s #1 ranked public schools for the third consecutive year, investing more than $5.5 billion this year in our schools.
  • Made the largest investment in Maryland history in school construction and renovations, with a three year commitment of over $1 billion.
  • Froze tuition for the fourth year in a row at our four year public colleges and universities to make college more affordable for our hard working families.

governor in library
“Now is more important than ever, even in these difficult times, to continue to protect our investments in public education to ensure that every child receives a world class education and a better future. The people of Maryland are our greatest asset and our continued economic strength depends upon our ability to invest in them, and prepare our children today for the jobs of tomorrow.”

– Statement on Maryland’s Public School’s #1 Ranking from Education Week Magazine,
January 7, 2009