As part of the Spy Newspapers and WHCP Community Radio (91.7) ongoing news collaboration, the Spy’s Dave Wheelan and WHCP’s Jim Brady have begun regular check-ins with Superintendent of Dorchester Schools Dr. Jymil Thompson.

In our first chat, Dr. Thompson discussed his background and his journey to Dorchester County. He also discussed the impact Maryland’s Blueprint for Excellence has had on his school district, budget issues facing Dorchester, and other concerns, such as the use of cell phones in the classroom.

This video is approximately 23 minutes in length.

An RCS teacher leading hands-on activities in the Discovery Room

Radcliffe Creek School (RCS), the only K-8 institution dedicated to educating bright children with learning differences on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, recently announced the commencement of a search for a new Head of School. This position, to begin July 1, 2025, will be pivotal in furthering the School’s mission to empower children in a dynamic environment that celebrates unique learning. 

Since Radcliffe Creek’s founding in 1996, the School has long been recognized for its commitment to nurturing the unique strengths and addressing the individual needs of neurodivergent learners. Its customized educational program utilizes hands-on, multisensory and immersive strategies to engage bright students with and without diagnoses such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, sensory processing disorder, anxiety and ASD. The School continues to stand out as a critical resource for area families, some of whom send their children across the Chesapeake Bay and state lines to receive the School’s services.

Only three Heads of School have served the private institution since its founding. Having expanded to serve eight counties across Maryland’s Eastern and Western Shores, as well as the State of Delaware, Radcliffe Creek is poised to continue this tradition under new leadership.

Betsy Duff, President of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Search Committee for the next Head of School said, “The Radcliffe Creek community is eager to welcome its new Head next year. We are excited to meet the talented and dedicated educators who are called by this important opportunity, and to introduce them to the life-changing school that is Radcliffe Creek.”

The Board of Trustees has engaged Kirk Duncan, a respected and experienced independent school leader with over 40 years of experience as a teacher, coach and administrator in independent schools, to assist in identifying and recruiting outstanding candidates. “I am pleased to be part of the search for the school’s next leader as Radcliffe Creek School is poised for an era of growth and development,” Duncan remarked.

Following a survey distributed to the school community, key traits sought in the new Head of School were identified. These qualities include a candidate who is strategic minded, caring and approachable; firm yet fair; a collaborative and decisive decision-maker; an inspiring communicator; an effective fundraiser; and experienced in serving students who learn differently.

Various members of the School’s community will have opportunities to provide input throughout the search process, ensuring the selected candidate aligns with the aspirations and expectations of the Radcliffe Creek community.

To read the full Opportunity Statement and remain updated on the search process for the next Head of School, please visit: https://www.radcliffecreekschool.org/head-of-school-search

In a sudden and unexpected move, Dr. Susan Morgan, the vice president of the Dorchester County Board of Education, announced her resignation following a heated board meeting last week. Dr. Morgan, who has been a board member since 2020 and has previously served as its president, cited recent events as the tipping point for her decision.

Dr. Morgan’s resignation email, sent last Friday, came after a contentious board meeting where two significant issues were addressed: criticism from board member Chris Wheedleton and the termination of a contract with VisionQuest for alternative schooling. Dr. Morgan joined me to discuss these events and her reasons for stepping down.

The Criticism from Chris Wheedleton

“Chris Wheedleton’s statement at the meeting was largely vague, but he blamed the board’s leadership, which includes me and President Mike Diaz, for unspecified problems,” Dr. Morgan explained. “He was particularly upset about a school budget vote that took place in his absence.”

Dr. Morgan clarified the circumstances around the emergency meeting where the budget was approved. “It wasn’t a secret. We informed all members, including Mr. Wheedleton, via email and announcement. He even told Mr. Diaz he couldn’t attend because of a new client commitment. Despite being reminded of the meeting’s importance, he assumed it was just a presentation.”

The board’s vote to approve the budget and a new RFP for middle and elementary alternative programs was a necessity, Dr. Morgan emphasized. “The emergency meeting resulted in a three-to-one vote on the budget and the RFPs. One member was firmly against VisionQuest, leading to the decision to accept a different proposal.”

The VisionQuest Contract Termination

“The vote to discontinue the contract with VisionQuest was a primary factor in my decision to resign,” Dr. Morgan stated. “Some members were determined to end this contract despite its success. Seven students graduated this year who wouldn’t have without VisionQuest. Their parents and the students themselves saw value in the program.”

Dr. Morgan expressed frustration that some board members had never visited VisionQuest’s campus or classrooms, relying instead on hearsay. “This program was more cost-effective than previous in-house programs and other private vendors we’ve used.”

Financial Mismanagement

In a prior, unaired interview, Dr. Morgan and President Diaz discussed efforts to control school spending. “The financial habits we found were disastrous. There were no constraints, and the spending was rampant,” she said. “Some budget categories were overspent by millions.”

Challenges from the County Council

“The county council has been a huge roadblock,” Dr. Morgan noted. “They haven’t provided the 1% needed for capital projects, forcing us to use reserve funds and hurting our budget. The board members’ stipend hasn’t increased in over 20 years, despite state mandates.”

Dr. Morgan’s Reflections and Future Plans

Reflecting on her resignation, Dr. Morgan admitted to mixed feelings. “I was elected to represent my district, and it feels bad to step down early. But with three members consistently outvoting us, I saw no value in staying when the atmosphere had become toxic.”

As for her future, Dr. Morgan looks forward to enjoying her retirement. “I’ve been retired for eight years but always had board responsibilities. Now, I’ll travel and truly enjoy my retirement.”

Final Thoughts

Dr. Susan Morgan’s departure marks a significant change for the Dorchester County Board of Education. Her efforts and dedication to improving the school system are appreciated, and she leaves with the best wishes from the community.

This is Jim Brady, WHCP News Director, signing off for Mid-Shore Midday.

To help pay for the Blueprint plan through fiscal year 2027, the legislature also approved the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act, known as the BRFA, which provides a portion of revenue through an increase in the tobacco sales tax.

According to a chart provided by the Blueprint’s Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) that oversees the multi-billion-dollar plan, a $1.25 increase in a pack of cigarettes could generate about $86 million, while tax increases on other tobacco products could provide another $5 million in the upcoming fiscal year. The total amount of tobacco revenue is expected to decrease from $91 million to about $71 million by fiscal year 2029, because when tobacco taxes go up, tobacco use often goes down — or users look to other states with lower taxes to buy their products.

A graph summarizing some revenues to fund the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education reform plan. Courtesy of the Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board.

Nevertheless, an additional $76 million generated in taxes on tobacco and other products in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 would be designated toward the Blueprint fund.

In addition, the legislature approved the transfer of $40 million from the School Construction Revolving Loan Fund to the Blueprint fund.

In other parts of the budget, about $3 million is allocated for a child care career professional development fund. One purpose is to expand opportunities for those in the profession to receive formal credentials or college credit.

Part of the requirement is for individuals to work at least 20 hours per week for a period of time determined by the Officer of Child Care within the state Department of Education.

The career development legislation was sponsored by Del. Julie Palakovich Carr (D-Montgomery), but later included in a comprehensive package — House Bill 1441 — sponsored by Del. Vanessa E.  Atterbeary (D-Howard), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Del. Jared Solomon (D-Montgomery), who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, said Monday that child care providers who qualify for services under the Blueprint plan can receive $20,000 per child.

“Which is transformative,” he said. “Coupled with the professional development funds, it was a real sensible compromise around teacher certifications for private providers. You have now opened up new universal providers who last year didn’t feel like the Blueprint was for them.”

One of the Blueprint’s five priorities focuses on early childhood education, including the expansion of prekindergarten service to 3- and 4-year-old children. Part of the reform plan calls for a “mixed-delivery system” to serve them in public schools and in private child care centers.

Another budgetary item the legislature approved requires all 24 public school systems to allocate funding to hire Blueprint coordinators.

According to a fiscal analysis of House Bill 1082 sponsored by Del. Stephanie Smith (D-Baltimore City), a person would be hired at $150,000, including salaries and benefits, for the job. The cost would be shared between the state and each jurisdiction, but it won’t be evenly distributed.

For instance, Worcester County would pay the highest local share at $127,500 and the state $22,500.

Another jurisdiction on the Eastern Shore, Caroline County, would pay the lowest local share at $40,461, compared to the state’s $109,539.

In total, the state anticipates contributing about $2 million toward Blueprint coordinators.

The budget also provides about $290,000 for the AIB to rent office space and fill a new government affairs position.

“Overall, it was a very successful session,” Rachel Hise, executive director of the AIB, said during a Blueprint board meeting Thursday.

Not everyone agrees.

A coalition of organizations and some lawmakers pushed for The Fair Share Act, which sought to reform the state’s tax code and would have raised revenue by $1.6 billion when fully phased in.

“The General Assembly had an opportunity this session to generate the revenue we know we’re going to need down the line to do Blueprint implementation with fidelity,” said Shamoyia Gardiner, executive director of Strong Schools Maryland, an advocacy group. “By and large, while they may have generated some revenue, I think they missed the opportunity to put the state in a position where we can guarantee ourselves a world-class education. I think now it’s not quite as certain.”

By William J. Ford