Holabird Middle Hosts Governor Ehrlich as He Announces Record Funding Increase for Maryland Public Schools

Barely visible in the crowd of Holabird Middle School students are Governor Bob Ehrlich, State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Grasmick, Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston, and Principal Susan Melton.

Music from the Holabird Middle School Concert Band set a celebratory mood for a special event on January 5 in which Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, and Baltimore County Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston, along with other special guests, visited the school.

As he entered the building, Governor Ehrlich stopped to tell the students and Band Director Emily Hannah what a great job they were doing, then he stopped again in front of Ricky H., one of the drummers. The Governor, himself a drum student, asked Ricky for some pointers.

Surrounded by Holabird Middle School students, Governor Ehrlich announces his proposed increase for public education funding.

According to school principal and event host Susan K. Melton, Ricky’s pride reflected the overall pride the school staff and students felt at being selected as the site for a major statewide announcement. The Governor’s audience for the announcement included students from four Holabird Middle classes.

The Governor visited Holabird Middle School to propose a record $462 million increase in public K-12 education, representing his support of the state’s commitment to fund Bridge to Excellence (often referred to as the Thornton plan). Governor Ehrlich has also proposed $281 million for school construction statewide.

State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick offers brief remarks

“This is truly historic,” Dr. Hairston commented about the announcement. Superintendent Hairston also noted his particular interest in the proposed $2 million Science, Technology, and Mathematics Academy and that the governor’s proposals would yield $6.7 million for Holabird Middle School renovations – part of what will be about a $17 million, two-year project with majority funding support from County Executive Smith.

“We have here today,” Dr. Hairston noted, “both a governor and state superintendent of schools with deep roots in Baltimore County. We will continue to follow their leadership to improve academic achievement for all students.”

Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston talks about the challenges and opportunities ahead for schools in Baltimore County.

One of the highlights of the event was eighth grader Michelle E.’s brief comments and introduction of the governor. Michelle, a Gifted and Talented student, member of the National Junior Honor Society, and member of the band, talked about how much she had learned at Holabird Middle and about the school’s future. “An effective school,” she said, “needs three things: good teachers who are able to teach, students who are willing to learn, and a building that is up-to-date.” She also noted that Holabird, which is 44 years old, will begin needed renovations in June.

Soon after the event, Melton received a call from the Governor’s office saying that – to reciprocate her gracious hospitality – they wanted to invite her to a celebration of the fourth anniversary of No Child Left Behind. At this January 9th event, held at North Glen Elementary School in Anne Arundel County, Melton, along with two other Baltimore County principals – Eileen Roberta from Carney Elementary and Dottie Harden from Pikesville High – heard First Lady Laura Bush and President George W. Bush discuss the nation’s progress in education and the challenges ahead. “Regardless of your political stance,” Melton said, “it was a thrill and an honor.”

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Story by Diana L. Spencer, Communications Officer. Photos courtesy of the Governor’s Office.