PRINCE FREDERICK, MD – The Calvert County Board of Education held its regular meeting on January 15, 2026, at the Brooks Administrative Building, where members re-elected officers, recognized three Eagle Scouts, reviewed financials showing fiscal stress in transportation and health insurance, discussed potential expansion of the Career and Technical Academy, and heard updates on district initiatives including a comprehensive efficiency assessment and the new Superintendent Lighthouse Award.
The board unanimously re-elected Jana L. Post as president and Lisa A. Wood as vice president for the year. Following officer elections, the board approved resolutions commending Ray Holmberg, Skyler David Lester and Aidan Patrick William Harrington of Calvert High School and Boy Scout Troop 430 for attaining Eagle Scout rank. Holmberg completed a patio and picnic table refurbishment at Gateway Preserve. Lester built a wheelchair-accessible suspended bridge for school nature trail access. Harrington constructed firewood storage boxes at Kings Landing Park.
Public comments included one speaker addressing concerns over prior board actions on antiracism policy and safe space stickers, citing statistics on LGBTQ+ youth support needs.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Marcus J. Newsome presented highlights including record applications to the Career and Technical Academy for the class of 2028, with an open house that evening and applications due January 30. He congratulated Dr. Krystal Rex on selection as a National Science Teaching Association STEM Fellow. Newsome reported the first draft of a 500-plus-page comprehensive efficiency assessment by Public Works, covering finance, human resources, IT, special education, transportation, pupil services and facilities, based on over 200 interviews and 800 survey responses. The final report is scheduled for presentation February 12, 2026, followed by strategic implementation planning focused on central office support for schools.
Newsome announced the launch of the monthly Superintendent Lighthouse Award recognizing one elementary, middle and high school student plus an educator, support staff and administrator for character, leadership, service, innovation and inspiration. Over 50 nominations arrived within hours.
Chief Financial Officer Scott Johnson presented the November 2025 unrestricted fund report, with the district 41.6 percent through the fiscal year. Revenues reached 38.7 percent of budget at $111 million. Instructional salaries showed available balance but will decline with extra duty pay. Transportation and fixed charges indicated stress, with fixed charges at negative $2.1 million primarily from group health, dental and vision insurance, prompting planned reductions. Encumbrances totaled $185.2 million, expenditures $89.6 million, leaving $13.3 million available, expected to decrease. A multiyear expenditure comparison showed no projected total change but adjustments in health insurance.
Policy reviews included 1320 on superintendent authority, with no changes, and 6036 on observation and evaluation of certificated employees, recommending addition of “licensure” alongside “certification” to reflect Maryland State Department of Education terminology updates through 2028.
Board members discussed CTA capacity concerns amid growing demand, noting the facility is inadequate and no current CIP plans exist for expansion. Comments covered Tri-County Band Concert success, history fairs, water safety programs, student-led fundraising following a Chesapeake Beach apartment fire, potential data center impacts near schools, and upcoming Maryland legislation on cell phones and start times. Board members praised Head Start nominations, teacher returns to the district, and community events.
Calvert County Public Schools serves about 15,800 students in Southern Maryland, focusing on career readiness and community engagement. The meeting adjourned after board comments.