Executive Summary

Carroll County Public Schools shows strong Blueprint implementation momentum, with four of five pillars rated Meets and one, Pillar 4, rated Approaching. Total Pre-K enrollment grew from 340 in 2022-2023 to 525 in 2025-2026 per AIB data^[1], and all half-day public Pre-K programs were converted to full-day, giving 23 programs with near-universal availability^[2]. Kindergarten readiness rose to 58.5% from 55% the prior year^[2]. On the educator workforce, the district reached its $60,000 minimum teacher salary effective FY25, ahead of the 7/1/26 deadline, and grew National Board Certification achievements from 0 in 2021-22 to 82 in 2025-26^[2]. Teacher vacancies fell to 3 and the conditionally licensed rate to 2.7%^[2]. AIB approved the Career Ladder with no revisions on November 20, 2025^[3].

Student outcomes are mixed but generally improving. Grades 3-8 ELA proficiency reached 66.0% in 2025-26, up from a 59.7% baseline, while Grades 3-8 math proficiency was 44.5%, essentially flat from 44.7% the prior year^[2]. Third grade ELA proficiency, at 61.8%, remains below its 64.3% baseline^[2]. MSDE reports 66.6% of SY2024-25 high school completers met the College and Career Readiness standard, and dual enrollment grew from 927 to 1,402 students^[2]. Chronic absenteeism fell from 26.8% in 2021-2022 to 19.5% in 2024-2025^[2], and community school proficiency rose sharply, with 3-8 ELA going from 23.5% to 47.6%^[2].