State of the Wicomico County Public Schools address touts boost in grades, attendance

Salisbury, Md. – Several community stakeholders including representatives from local businesses, government and education attended Wednesday’s State of the Wicomico County Public Schools Luncheon, sponsored by the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.

In his remarks, Superintendent Stauffer highlighted the results of increased investments in schools, noting a boost in grades, attendance and after-school activities as the county continues to be in line with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Stauffer said enrollment has increased by 500 students, Pre-K enrollment has doubled, graduation rates are above the state average. In his presentation, he emphasized the county’s approach towards education follows students from birth to 21 years of age.

However, he said increases in English-language learners, poverty and special needs among students made for challenges that community partnerships are key to tackling.

“We rely on those partnerships with our state delegation and our local leaders for the funding that we’re going to need to be able to meet the needs of our students, to provide that staffing and those resources to be able to meet the needs of our students, each and every day,” Stauffer told WMDT. “So those partnerships are really crucial to what we do here in the school system.”

Also in attendance was State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R – District 38) who said she was impressed by the strides made in WCPS over Stauffer’s four years as superintendent.

“I serve on the Senate Education Committee. It’s so important that I make sure that whatever policies go forward at the state level actually work at the local level. One size does not fit all,” she said. “So, we want to make sure that we’re listening in today’s session to get this update, to see the progress has been made.”

Carozza was also particularly touched that three special needs schools are coming to serve Maryland’s Eastern and Lower Shores due to collaborations with local and state legislators and community members.

Stauffer noted that more than 200 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students are set to graduate with industry credentials. He also lauded investments made in teachers and support systems, saying there are now 28 certified teachers compared to 13 in 2022. Businesses said investing in schools is investing in the local economy too.

“I think any business would recognize the value of having highly educated employees,” Comcast Director of Government and Community Relations Chris Comer said.

WMDT was the media sponsor for the luncheon.