Maryland State Board of Education leadership remained unchanged after a unanimous vote to re-elect Dr. Joshua Michael as president and Dr. Monica Goldson as vice president for the 2025-2026 term. The decision came during a meeting in Baltimore on July 29, 2025, marking the second one-year term for both in their Maryland State Board of Education leadership positions.
Appointed to the board by Gov. Wes Moore in 2023, Michael and Goldson have guided significant reforms during their initial year. These include comprehensive mathematics and literacy policies, revisions to the college and career readiness standard, and updates to various state standards and regulations. The efforts align with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a 10-year plan to transform the state’s education system through increased funding, enriched student experiences, and accelerated outcomes.
“I’m honored to continue serving as President of the State Board,” said Dr. Michael. “Fundamentally, we believe in the greatness of our children. Our goal is to build a school system that matches their potential. We’ve laid a strong foundation over the past year, and I look forward to continuing the work of improving public education in Maryland.”
“This critical moment in public education demands strong leadership with unwavering focus on student success,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “Throughout their professional lives and State Board service, Dr. Michael and Dr. Goldson have exemplified excellence in their commitment to our students, educators, school leaders and families. I look forward to our continued collaboration towards accelerating progress under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future to ensure all students thrive.”
Michael brings a diverse background to his Maryland State Board of Education leadership role. He serves as executive director of the Sherman Family Foundation, a Baltimore nonprofit that grants funds to organizations supporting children and families, with emphasis on early childhood and K-12 education. His career began as a middle school math teacher in Baltimore City, and he later directed school partnerships at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Michael also served as the student member of the state board during the 2005-2006 school year. He holds a bachelor’s degree and doctorate in public policy from UMBC and a master’s in school leadership from Johns Hopkins University. He lives in Baltimore City with his wife, Leslie, and their three children.
Goldson contributes extensive public education experience to her Maryland State Board of Education leadership position. She is CEO and president of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. Previously, she led Prince George’s County Public Schools as CEO, overseeing the state’s second-largest system. Goldson earned a bachelor’s in mathematics from Florida A&M University, a master’s in elementary and secondary school administration from Bowie State University, and a doctorate in educational administration and policy from Howard University. She served on President Biden’s HBCU Advisory Panel. Her two adult sons graduated from Prince George’s County Public Schools.
The Maryland State Board of Education sets policies and standards for pre-kindergarten through high school, as well as vocational rehabilitation services. It interprets laws, passes regulations, reviews and approves annual budgets for submission to the governor and General Assembly, and resolves disputes among the state’s 24 school systems via an appeal process. The board appoints the state superintendent for a four-year term and recommends legislation to state leaders.
Under Michael and Goldson’s Maryland State Board of Education leadership, the board has addressed key issues. In October 2024, it approved a literacy policy allowing third graders who fall short on reading to be held back with parental consent. Earlier, in March 2025, it adopted a PreK-12 mathematics policy to ensure equitable access to high-quality math education.The board also navigated funding challenges, including potential losses in federal funds that could impact local districts.
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, central to the board’s work, organizes reforms into five pillars: early childhood education, high-quality teachers and leaders, college and career readiness, more resources for students in need, and governance and accountability . Enacted in 2021, it aims to enhance state and local investments in education. In May 2025, the board clarified roles between agencies overseeing school reforms under the Blueprint.
For Southern Maryland residents in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, these Maryland State Board of Education leadership decisions influence local public schools through statewide policies on funding, standards and student success. The board’s focus on equity and access supports rural and suburban districts in the region, where education funding and reform implementation are key concerns.
Michael’s term on the board runs through 2026, while Goldson’s extends to 2027. Their re-election ensures continuity in advancing the board’s mission amid ongoing challenges like achievement gaps and resource allocation.
