FORWARD FOCUS
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT As our state implements its transformative Blueprint for Maryland's Future, the Allegany County Public Schools system is experiencing significant investments in early childhood education, teacher compensation, career readiness programs, and comprehensive support systems. These changes represent the most substantial educational reforms in Maryland's history, and they shift how we think about our collective future. This is where having a transformative mindset, adequate resources, highly trained teachers, dedicated staff, and community supporters matters. It's about moving intentionally from what may be possible to what is possible. It takes collaboration at all levels to remove barriers that limit our students' success and stifle our employees' ability to educate and support their efforts. That will not happen overnight, but it will happen. ACPS has remarkable success stories in career readiness, early childhood programs and teacher excellence. This annual report highlights the school system's progress, priorities, and impact over the past school year. In the pages that follow, we demonstrate accountability in how we use our resources, share evidence of our growth, and our challenges, and connect our daily work to our long-term vision and strategic goals. It is the honor of my professional career to return to Allegany County to lead the school district that so profoundly impacted my own life. I treasure this opportunity to give back while lifting up our future generation.
OUR MISSION To support all students in reaching their potential by providing a positive, safe, respectful and engaging learning environment.
Best regards,
Dr. Michael J. Martirano Dr. Michael J. Martirano Superintendent of Schools Allegany County Public Schools
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
OUR VISION To equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to become caring and productive members of their community.
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BOARD OF EDUCATION The Allegany County Board of Education originated in 1816 as the State School Fund Commissioners.
Crystal Bender
Dr. David Bohn
Board President Term: 2025-2028
Board Vice President Term: 2023-2026
Max Green
Lori Lepley
Linda Widmyer
Adaline Carder
Board Member Term: 2025-2028
Board Member Term: 2023-2026
Board Member Term: 2025-2026
Student Member Term: SY 2026-2027
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
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ADMINISTRATION & SUPERVISION Our system leaders fostered stronger communication and coordination across disciplines to break down departmental silos and implement the pillars of Blueprint for Maryland's Future during the 2025-2026 school year. Grounded in best practices in K-12 education, they continue to champion student and school success, collaboration, service management, and talent and resource development.
Executive Leadership
Academic Supervisors
Superintendent: Dr. Michael Martirano Chief Academic Officer: Katherine Loughrie Chief Administrative Officer: Glenn Rice Chief Financial Officer: Lawrence McKenzie
Accountability & Assessments: Trina Simpson Career & Technical Education & World Languages: Joseph Brewer Early Childhood & Elementary ELA: Staci Noah Early Childhood & Elementary Math: Scott Llewellyn Fine Arts: Jeffrey Avey Federal Programs: Daniel Clark Health, Physical Education & Athletics: Tracey Leonard K-12 Science & STEM: James "Bo" Evans, III K-12 Social Studies & Special Programs: Jaclyn Boor Mental Health & School Counselors: Moriah Cohen Professional Learning: Ethan DeVore Secondary ELA, Reading, Library Media & Equity: Dr. Sarah Welsh Secondary Math & AP Programs: Dr. Stephen Thompson Special Education Birth-Grade 5: Dr. Tonya Detrick-Grove Special Education Grade 6-Age 21: Abby Rader Student Services: Tracey Dunn Court
Directors Elementary Education: Jacqueline Enright Information Technology: John Hampton Secondary Education: Dr. Molly Stewart Special Education & Student Services: Dr. Wendy Main
Administrative Supervisors Finance: Michele Crowe Food and Nutrition Services: Todd Lutton Human Resources: Christopher Cassell Maintenance and Construction: William "Jay" Marley Operations: Wallace High Student Support and School Safety: Anthony Rumgay Transportation: Michael Mathews
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
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2025-2026 DATA: STUDENTS & LEARNING SCHOOLS
ATTENDANCE (per MSDE FY26 EOY Attendance Submission)
Number of Schools
22
Attendance Rate
89.8%
Elementary
14
Elementary
91.7%
Middle
4
Middle
89.2%
High
3
High
87.2%
Career and Technical Education
1
ENROLLMENT (per MSDE FY26 September Attendance Submission) Total
8,081
White
6,712
Two or More Races
689
African American
341
Hispanic
240
Asian
76
American Indian/Alaska Native
15
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
8
CLASS OF 2026
EARLY CHILDHOOD (per MSDE FY26 EOY Attendance Submission) PreK-3 Students (Half-day)
136
PreK-4 Students (Half-day)
21
PreK-4 Students (Full-day)
318
Preschool Special Education
227
Kindergarten Students
547
JUDY CENTER EARLY LEARNING HUB Judy Centers
2
Judy Center Playgroups
292
Judy Center Additional Events
116
Graduates
558
Catchment Area Children Served
328
Scholarships Offered to Graduates
$7.2 M
3-Week Transitional Summer Program Students
64
RECLAIMED CREDITS
DUAL ENROLLMENT/EARLY COLLEGE Credits Earned
3,891
Fall Students
273
Spring Students
251
Summer School
195
Fall and Spring
131
ACPS achieved a 93.1% four-year graduation rate in 2025, ranking 7th in Maryland.
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
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2025-2026 DATA: SUPPORTING STUDENTS & FAMILIES SERVICE LEARNING
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Community Schools with Community School Coordinators
17
Hours Contributed by Students
50,849
Students who Qualify for Services
2,321
Number of Student Participants
3,695
Services Provided to Students
26,923
EMPLOYEES
Services Provided to Families
8,729
All Full-time
1,313
All Part-time and Contractual Employees
173 619
SPECIAL POPULATIONS (per MSDE FY26 September Attendance Submission) FARMS (Free and Reduced Meals) Students
4,290
Number of Certified Teachers
Title I Students
2,229
TRANSPORTATION
Special Education Students
1,516
Miles Traveled (regular routes only)
1.6 M+
McKinney-Vento (unhoused) Students
136
Student Bus Riders
5,000+
Multilingual Learners
55
District and Contractor-Owned Buses
97
FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES (CEP) Community Eligibility Provision
TITLE I & ADDITIONAL TARGETED SUPPORT AND IMPROVEMENT SCHOOLS Title I Schools
7
Free Breakfasts - School Year
415,717
Title I Engagement Coordinators
5
Free Lunches - School Year
847,477
Additional Targeted Support and Improvement Schools
8
Free Breakfasts & Lunches - Summer
7,584
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
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INVESTING RESPONSIBLY: Fiscal 2027 Budget Overview 8,041*
TOTAL STUDENTS ENROLLED
$148.7M TOTAL BUDGET (+5.1%) (Unrestricted)
Other/Transfers: 6%
~$19.6K
ESTIMATED PER PUPIL SPENDING
WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM?
Supplies & Materials: 3% Equipment & Buildings: 2%
State Aid (Maryland): $106.9M (+2.4%) County Appropriation: $33.9M (Flat)
Contracted Services: 9%
Prior Year Fund Balance: $6.5M (Used to balance) Other/Federal: $1.5M (+34%)
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO? Salaries & Wages: 56%
Benefits & Fixed Charges: 24%
Salaries & Wages
Benefits & Fixed Charges
Supplies & Materials
Other/Transfers
Contracted Services
Salaries & Wages: $83.4M (56%) Benefits & Fixed Charges: $35.9M (24%) Contracted Services: $13.1M (9%) Equipment: $3.0M (2%) Supplies & Materials: $4.6M (3%) Other/Transfers: $8.6M (6%)
Equipment & Buildings
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
*Enrollment as of 09/22/2026 for 2026-2027 School Year.
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MCAP FAST FACTS 2025-2026
MCAP HIGHLIGHTS The full report of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) is available online at reportcard.msde.maryland.gov.
English Language Arts
100
66
Percentage
65 54
54
50
50
51
49
57
52
47
55
51
51
54
50
54
ELA 3
ELA 4
ELA 5
ELA 6
ELA 7
Allegany County
ELA 8
ELA 10
ELA 10 - 1st time
ELA proficiency for students with IEPs has generally trended upward, most notably in Grade 3 (7% to 27%) and ELA 10 (3% to 24%) since 2022.
State of Maryland
Mathematics
100
74 Percentage
ACPS ranks 13th of 24 Maryland counties in overall ELA proficiency and overall Math proficiency. 65% of ELA 10 test takers scored in the proficient range.
0
50
ACPS surpassed Maryland's proficiency average in 14 of 21 tested areas, including 6 of 7 ELA areas, 6 of 9 Math areas, and high school Science and Government.
47
43
40
45 35
High School Science proficiency (51%) has climbed steadily from 31% in 2023.
39
36 30
25 23
20
23
22 22
Grade 8
Algebra I
21
18 7
Algebra II proficiency jumped dramatically to 74% (up from 41% in 2025).
26
10
0 Math 3
Math 4
Math 5
Math 6
Math 7
Allegany County
Math 8 State of Maryland
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
Algebra II
Geometry
High School Government proficiency (52%) exceeds State average (46%).
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ADDITIONAL MCAP HIGHLIGHTS Maryland transitions to the Maryland System of Testing Academic Readiness (MSTAR) during the current school year. MSTAR include shortened test length, improved precision, updated accessibility features, and enhanced online reporting of test results for ACPS families and educators.
Science
Percentage
100
I am pleased with the continued gains in MCAP performance as well as the efforts made by ACPS students and staff during the 2026 testing administration.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano
48
32
31
27
31
0 Science Grade 5
Science Grade 8 Allegany County
Percentage
This data helps us create educational goals both at the system and individual level, which allows us to keep paving the way for students to overcome barriers to learning. We also recognize that the MCAP is just a snapshot of our county’s children. Our goal is to grow the whole child mentally, socially and academically.
51 50
Science High School
State of Maryland
100
Social Studies
50
42
52
46
35
0 Social Studies Grade 8 Allegany County
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
High School Government State of Maryland
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2025-2026
INCREASED COLLABORATION & CONNECTION This past year, Allegany County Public Schools strengthened collaboration and connection by expanding outreach to employees, students, families, and the broader community. New opportunities for dialogue and feedback deepened relationships, fostered a shared commitment to student success, and reinforced a culture of open communication and partnership. Key initiatives included: Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Council: In the superintendent's first year with ACPS, former Allegany County Teachers of the Year served as his special advisors. The council met regularly to share feedback and insights drawn from their experience in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. Allegany County Association of Student Councils (ACASC): The superintendent regularly attended ACASC general assembly meetings with 140– 150 middle and high school students. Their perspectives and feedback proved invaluable. Tea & Talk with the Superintendent: These informal gatherings invited families and community members into open conversation with the superintendent. Post-event surveys reflected positive feedback, including: "Thank you for open dialogue and facilitated convo!" "Please continue to have these kind of events." "Thank you for an informative evening." Master Calendar: The district introduced a centralized internal calendar that brings school and district events together in one place, reducing scheduling conflicts.
New District Website: ACPS launched a fully redesigned website with improved navigation, mobile-friendly access, accessibility features, calendars, integrated social media feeds and calendars, and updated school pages. Dedicated Webmaster: In 2025, ACPS created a webmaster position to keep online content accurate, current, and consistent. The webmaster manages the district website, creates engaging content, and promotes student and district activities and events. Ongoing Communication: ACPS keeps students, staff, and families informed through school announcements, superintendent messages, and SchoolMessenger broadcasts (emails, phone calls, and optional SMS text messages). These communications keep everyone connected to district priorities, celebrations, and important updates throughout the year. The district also encourages all stakeholders to attend or stream the Board of Education meetings. Stakeholder Surveys: To support data-informed decisions, the district launched an annual ACPS Families Survey in November 2025 and began post-event surveys in April.
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
Expanded Social Media Presence: Beginning in 2025, ACPS significantly expanded its presence on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Posts and reels celebrate student achievements, share emergency and inclement weather announcements, highlight the spirit of the ACPS community, and promote employment opportunities and job postings to help reach prospective employees. Wider reach: Between November 2025 and June 2026, ACPS social media content was seen more than 7.28 million times, up 37% from the previous period. It drew 361,105 engagements (reactions, comments, shares and clicks), up 30%. Posting volume tripled to 867 posts. A growing audience: ACPS now has 25,027 followers across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, an 11% increase. The district gained 1,643 new followers, more than double the growth of the previous period. Facebook remains its main channel, with 23,890 followers. More video and more two-way conversation: Video views reached 360,783, up from roughly 6,000 the period before. Direct messages and comments from the community rose 451%.
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MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION From Floodwaters to Reopening: Westernport Elementary Rises On May 13, 2025, floodwaters swept through Westernport and submerged the first floor of Westernport Elementary School. In a dramatic rescue, 150 students and 50 staff members were carried to safety by boat. Every one of them made it out safely. The storm left more than $33.7 million in damage across Allegany and Garrett Counties, and the school's own losses approached $5 million. But the story of Westernport Elementary is not defined by what the water took. It is defined by how quickly a community came together to rebuild. Frostburg State University opened its doors to the displaced students and staff, who finished the 2024– 2025 school year on campus. When the new school year began, students and staff returned home to Westernport Elementary, learning on the building's second and third floors while repairs continued below. Westmar Middle School delivered meals every day until the school's kitchen was back in service. After $5 million in renovations, the restored first floor welcomed students back in early April. On May 2, 2026 less than a year after the flood, ACPS and the community gathered for a grand reopening of Westernport Elementary School.
The celebration honored the resilience of the school's students, families, and staff, and paid special tribute to the rescue and emergency personnel, nonprofit organizations, aid workers, and countless volunteers who carried the town through its darkest days. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was among the many officials who spoke at the celebration. She presented boxes of children's books from the Library of Congress Surplus Book Program. On May 22, she returned with Maryland Governor Wes Moore to tour the school and visit with teachers and students. The Governor, Congresswoman, and Superintendent then spoke at Potomac Fire Company No. 2. Westernport Elementary's recovery is the story of a community that never stops showing up each other.
Early Learning Center Being Built A new regional Early Learning Center (ELC) is under construction as a freestanding building on the grounds of Washington Middle School. The ELC will expand services for families in eastern Allegany County in two ways. First, it will allow ACPS to enroll more students from a wider range of income levels in full-day prekindergarten classes. Second, it will house a Judy Center Hub for Early Learning.
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
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SAFETY & SECURITY OF STUDENTS AND STAFF The safety and well-being of students and staff remain Allegany County Public Schools' highest priority. During the 2025-2026 school year, ACPS strengthened its commitment to safe, secure, and supportive learning environments by enhancing safety and technology measures, preparing schools to respond to emergencies, and encouraging responsible AI guardrails.
Student Support & Preparedness
Personnel & Law Enforcement School Safety Employees: An SSE at every school logs daily activity and incidents Incident Data: SSEs recorded 503 incidents 292 contraband confiscations 150 assaults 54 weapons confiscations 7 hate crimes Event Coverage: SSEs staff athletic and special events School Resource Officers: Frostburg City Police, Cumberland City Police, and the Allegany County Sheriff's Office each provide a full-time SRO Law Enforcement Partnership: Local police handle all reportable offenses
Student Safety & Monitoring Digital Hall Passes: Securly tracks when students leave class Internet Filtering: Web activity is filtered on school WiFi and devices Threat Monitoring: Officials are alerted when students search or type about self-harm, cyberbullying, or violence on school devices Vape Detection: Sensors are installed in all middle and high schools
All schools have AEDs, Narcan, and Stop the Bleed kits The Sex Offender Registry/list is shared weekly Handle With Care reporting and trauma-informed care are utilized Safe Schools Tip Line reporting is promoted Each school has a Critical Incident Plan The I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol (SRP) model is used for critical incidents 92 SRP incidents occurred in the 2025-2026 school year: 77 Holds, 10 Secures, 1 Lockdown, and 4 Evacuates 118 SRP Drills were ran in the 2025-2026 school year, including 7 secures, 14 lockdowns, 93 evacuates, and 4 shelters
Access Control Visitor Screening: Raptor Visitor Management checks in every visitor Secured Entrances: Exterior doors and windows stay locked Badge Access: Badge readers control and record building entry Video Surveillance: Cameras cover every building, inside and out Metal Detection: Hand-wand detectors are used as needed Security Vestibules: Every school will have one throughout SY27-28
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
Responsible AI Use
AI Policy and Guardrails: Began a district AI policy, aligned with MSDE guidance, to set clear expectations for safe, ethical, and responsible AI use by students and staff Dedicated Leadership: Created an Instructional Technology Coordinator position to oversee AI integration and vet new tools for security and safety Governance Training: Built staff capacity through MSDE's "AI Train the Trainer" course, an AI Implementation Boot Camp, and "AI in Education: Governance and Guardrails" Leadership Preparation: Provided introductory AI session for administrators and supervisors with the Maryland Center for Computing Education and Common Ground Conference responsible AI insights Higher Education Partnerships: Worked with Frostburg State University and Allegany College of Maryland on safe, effective classroom AI integration
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2025-2026
CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Allegany County Public Schools equip students with 21st-century skills, preparing them for the workplace, apprenticeships, or for a transition to college or technical school. Accomplishments in 2025-2026 include: More than 50 students from the Center for Career and Technical Education (CCTE) and Allegany High School competed in the Maryland SkillsUSA State Competition. Six CCTE students earned gold medals, qualifying them to compete in the National SkillsUSA Competition in Atlanta. Allegany High School is the only comprehensive high school in Region 6 with a SkillsUSA Biomedical Sciences chapter. The chapter, started at a student's request in 2024, has grown quickly: 20 members attended the 2025 fall leadership conference, and members also competed at the state competition. FFA teams from Allegany/CCTE and Fort Hill High School participated in the Maryland FFA Spring Competitions at the Carroll County Agricultural Center, competing in the Floriculture and Veterinary Science events. Two Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) students graduated from Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) with Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Computer Technology – Cybersecurity.
State Superintendent Visits CCTE Dr. Carey Wright, State of Maryland Superintendent, met with ACPS juniors and seniors enrolled in culinary arts, P-TECH, automotive, and electrical programs at CCTE last October.
Two Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programming and Operations students graduated from ACM with AAS degrees in Automated Manufacturing Technology – Engineering. Allegany County Public Schools' Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science program had its largest class of completers in 2026, with 76 students graduating as Maryland CTE completers. It is the district's largest CTE program, enrolling more than 300 students at Allegany, Fort Hill, and Mountain Ridge high schools. PLTW named all three schools PLTW Distinguished Schools for the 2025–2026 school year.
Increasing IRCs Attainment ACPS continued efforts to support student attainment of Industry-Recognized Credentials and plan for program expansion. The number of Culinary Arts seniors who earned their ServSafe Manager credential increased by 122%. Assessments were administered earlier in the year, and students were incentivized to retake exams if needed. Agriculture students completed IRC assessments to develop baseline data and inform improvement efforts. Perkins Career & Technical Education Act funding will be used to strengthen and align curriculum with IRC expectations and prepare for 2027-2028 Agriculture program changes.
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
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HEROES COME IN ALL AGES: ANNY PLATT On the morning of April 4 in Cresaptown, 10-year-old Anny Platt watched her mother collapse. In the seconds that followed, she became a hero. It happened without warning. Anny's mother, Crystal McKinley, went into sudden cardiac arrest, leaving no time to process what was happening and no time to be afraid. Fortunately, Anny was not alone. Her older sister, Abby Platt, a patient and family concierge in the Labor and Delivery department at UPMC Western Maryland, knew enough to guide her through the crisis. At Abby's direction, Anny dialed 911 and knelt on the floor beside their mother, ready to do whatever came next. On the other end of the line was 911 dispatcher Shaunna Simmons, who coached the Cresaptown Elementary School fourth-grader through the most important task of her young life. "Abby and Anny called in, they were panicking because they said their mother wasn't responding," Simmons recalls. "So I'm walking them through how to get her on the floor, how to do CPR, and Anny listened very well." What followed was steady counting and small hands pressing down again and again, guided by a calm, insistent voice on the phone: You're doing great. Keep going. You're doing great. "I remember on the call I kept telling her that," Simmons says. "And she did really great." Their efforts made all the difference. When paramedics arrived, Crystal was alive, kept that way by two sisters who refused to freeze. Word of Anny's courage spread quickly through the close-knit community, and in the weeks that followed, she was formally honored at her home school. In front of her classmates, UPMC Western Maryland, local EMS personnel, and Superintendent Martirano gathered to present her with the hospital's Young Hero Award. "Because of Anny's courage and her quick thinking, she and her sister, Abby, were able to save her mom's life," said Jeff Hobbs, Trauma Program Manager at UPMC Western Maryland, as he addressed the crowd. "Because of that, she is here with us today. Anny is a hero, Abby is a hero, and we're very fortunate to know them." The Allegany County Department of Emergency Services added its own recognition, presenting Anny with its 911 Courage Award. The plaque commended her quick thinking and heroic actions, noting that by immediately calling 911 and beginning CPR, she had shown "remarkable bravery, composure, and compassion far beyond your years." Her actions, it stated, played a critical role in saving her mother's life and serve as "an inspiration to our community." The plaque closed with a line that captured the moment perfectly: Heroes come in all ages.
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
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2025-2026
ATHLETES RISE TO THE CHALLENGE Athletics: By the Numbers Across Allegany County's three high schools, 16 sports were offered. Behind that number are early-morning practices, long bus rides, and a community that fills the stands on Friday nights. Highlights include: Baseball: 87 boys Basketball: 82 boys, 66 girls Bowling: 17 boys, 13 girls Cross Country: 43 girls, 31 boys Football: 187 boys Golf: 24 boys, 2 girls Indoor Track: 63 boys, 43 girls Outdoor Track and Field: 117 boys, 86 girls Soccer: 115 boys, 74 girls Softball: 49 girls Tennis: 52 girls, 37 boys Volleyball: 81 players Wrestling: 53 boys, 18 girls In Allegany County, the playing field has room for everyone. The county's Unified Sports programs pair students with and without disabilities on the same team, and three of its 16 sports are Unified: indoor bocce, track and field, and flag football. Flag Football: 64 boys, 42 girls Indoor Bocce: 53 girls, 53 boys Track and Field: 44 girls, 29 boys
Top Achievements Mountain Ridge girls' track & field won the 1A State Championship Allegany Unified Flag Football won the State Championship in both the skills and 5v5 competitions The Skills team won the Sportsmanship Award Fort Hill football reached the State Championship game Nine individual or relay state titles won in indoor and outdoor track
State Champions Briley Linaburg (Allegany), pole vault, won both the indoor and outdoor titles Casey Martz (Fort Hill), shot put and discus, a double champion Jaden Emerson (Fort Hill), 100m hurdles Sadie Hamilton (Fort Hill), triple jump Sophia Brill (Mountain Ridge), 1600 meters Zach Haberlein (Mountain Ridge), 400 meters Mountain Ridge girls' 4x800 relay: Sophia Brill, Ashlynn Hawkins, Aynsley Hawkins, Fiona Ruddell
State Runners-Up Myia Miller (AHS), triple jump Chase Lamb (FH), 300m hurdles Austin Simpson (MR), 800 meters Fort Hill girls' 4x100 relay Mountain Ridge girls' indoor 4x800 relay
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
Standout Multi-Season Athletes Sophia Brill (MR): 3rd at state cross country, 1600m state champion, and a member of the state champion 4x800 relay Aynsley Hawkins (MR): 7th in cross country, 2nd in the 3200 both indoors and outdoors, and part of the 4x800 title team Addison Beem (FH): reached state in three seasons. She ran cross country, placed 6th in wrestling at 120 lbs, and took 3rd in pole vault Jaden Emerson (FH): 4th in the indoor 55m hurdles, then won the outdoor 100m hurdles title and ran on the state runner-up 4x100 relay
Playoff Runs Soccer: Allegany boys and Mountain Ridge girls both reached the state semifinals Basketball: Allegany boys won the 1A West Region. Allegany girls made it to region finals Baseball: Fort Hill won the region Softball: Allegany won the region
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COMMUNITY SCHOOLS NETWORK
FINE ARTS SPOTLIGHT
Community Schools identify the needs of the school and use the strengths of the community to address barriers. They provide a wide array of wraparound services that enhance students' ability to be successful.
Fine arts remain a vital part of the educational experience at Allegany County Public Schools, from prekindergarten through high school graduation. ACPS offers a range of opportunities to build creativity, discipline, and confidence while developing skills that carry into every area of their lives.
Achievements and Services During the 2025-2026 school year, 2,321 students were identified by the State of Maryland as eligible for per-pupil community schools funding. The Community School Network in Allegany County delivered services across 12 distinct program areas, ranging from tutoring and extended learning time to health and family engagement supports, including the following: Student Attendance Supports - 4,467 students, 873 families Student Enrichment Experiences - 3,827 students, 1,078 families Learning Environment - 3,530 students, 736 families Physical Wellness - 3,434 students, 1,397 families Social Workers, Mentors, Counselors - 3,361 students, 294 families Community Engagement - 3,107 students, 2,380 families Vision, Hearing and Dental - 1,887 students, 242 families Extended Learning Time - 1,691 students, 998 families Safe Transportation - 401 students, 58 families Tutoring - 334 students, 166 families Linkages to Early Education Programs - 137 students, 185 families
Participation in the arts within the district has increased steadily since the global pandemic, and ACPS remains committed to nurturing its art, music, and theater programs. Last year, 957 high school students enrolled in 1,231 fine arts classes. Many students took more than one fine arts course, averaging roughly 1.3 classes each.
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
Artwork: Lillian Rase (Mountain Ridge HS ’26)
ACPS students participated in the following events: All-County Chorus, All-County Jazz, All-County Middle/Senior Band, All-County Orchestra, Grades 5-6 Honor Band, Senior Art Exhibit, the ACPS Student Art Show, and Band, Choral, and Orchestra Assessments. Band and dance visual ensemble students participated in regional indoor and outdoor competitions.
Honors and Recognitions 2026 Maryland All-State Senior Treble Chorus (Grades 10-12): Peyton Lewis (MR) 2026 WVU Honor Band: Ivie Boord (AL), Preston Crawford (FH), Michael Criss (MR), Bailey Dehaven (MR), Cameron Hughes (FH), Kiera Lindsay (FH), Evan Pishko (AL), Jeff Redman (AL), Will Shertzer (MR), and Joshua Steward (FH)
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FOCUS ON BLUEPRINT PROGRESS Pillar 1: Early Childhood Education Achievements ACPS expanded PreKindergarten options for eligible four-year old children, with priority placements for economically disadvantaged students. Last year, 318 students enrolled in full-day PreK-4 and 21 students enrolled in half-day PreK-3 through the District's mixed delivery system, with PreKindergarten offered in neighboring public schools or at Roots Early Learning Center. These programs hold Level 5 Quality Ratings from Maryland EXCELS, the state's quality rating and improvement system for licensed Child Care Centers, family child care providers, and public PreK programs. Additionally, 136 eligible three-year old children enrolled in PreK-3, and Pre-School Special Education enrolled 227 students. In July 2026, the district piloted a full-day PreK-3 program at Flintstone Elementary School, with plans for future expansion at other schools.
Pillar 2: High Quality & Diverse Teachers and Leader Achievements ACPS strengthened educator capacity by giving teachers professional training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities, including: Expanded collaborative planning through substitute-supported monthly planning days, embedded planning structures, and district collaborative half-days. Launched a districtwide Science of Learning professional learning initiative beginning in August 2026, with Dr. Jim Heal and Margaret Lee of Learning Science Partners, followed by ongoing learning during monthly Supervisor and Combined Council meetings. Continued implementation of Maryland's Professional Learning System through Learning Forward modules, partnerships with institutions of higher education, and district-developed professional learning. Partnered with K12 Systems Change Solutions to establish common MTSS structures, implementation tools, coaching systems, and continuous improvement processes at schools. Expanded instructional coaching, strategic classroom walkthroughs, and job-embedded professional learning. Extended literacy coaching into secondary science and social studies. Strengthened inclusive instructional practices through the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE). Partnered with the Institute for Strategic Leadership and Learning (INSTLL) to provide targeted support for identified schools. Teacher Leader Academy: ACPS created the Academy in 2025 to prepare National Board Certified teachers to become Lead (Level 4) teachers. Maryland pays the full cost of National Board Certification for eligible public school teachers, and the number of ACPS teachers pursuing certification has grown quickly. ACPS now has 62 National Board Certified teachers.
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026 • ACPSMD.ORG
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FOCUS ON BLUEPRINT PROGRESS Pillar 2: Continued Strong partnerships were central to ACPS's efforts to recruit educators. The district worked with Frostburg State University to place and mentor student teachers in ACPS schools, giving future educators classroom experience and building a pipeline of candidates familiar with the district. Teacher Induction Academy: Last year, ACPS welcomed 32 new teachers and Academy enrollees. The Teacher Induction Academy supports new, non-tenured teachers in strengthening instruction, building confidence, and staying with ACPS. The Academy begins with a two-day orientation and continues all year with monthly mentor meetings, reflection activities, school-based learning, technology "Pop-In" sessions, and Schoology courses. Training topics include lesson planning, classroom management, restorative practices, Universal Design for Learning, special education, instructional strategies, technology tools, and teacher evaluation. Mentors, principals, and instructional supervisors provide guidance and feedback throughout the three-year program.
Pillar 3: College & Career Readiness The College and Career Readiness (CCR) standard defines what it means for a graduate to be ready for college-level coursework or career employment. The goal is for every ACPS student to meet this standard by the end of Grade 10. Students may be moved to a path more suited to their goals: advanced coursework, career and technical training, or another route. Curriculum and testing from pre-K through 12th grade are all designed to build toward this benchmark. Achievements during the 2025-2026 included: Expanded in-school and after-school tutoring opportunities. Strengthened Grade 9 On-Track monitoring. Continued implementing individualized College and Career Readiness support plans. Expanded dual enrollment, early college, and Advanced Placement opportunities. Strengthened college and career planning through the development of six-year plans and the continued support of college and career coaches. Implemented a marking period grade improvement program to provide timely intervention for students at risk of course failure. Created and implemented a common high school intervention and enrichment block to provide targeted academic support, enrichment opportunities, and personalized student interventions.
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FOCUS ON BLUEPRINT PROGRESS Pillar 4: More Support for All Students Supporting Multilingual Learners To better support these students and their families in the 2025-2026 school year, Allegany County Public Schools: Formed an advisory committee of parents, former students, teachers, staff, and community members Surveyed families, learning they want more communication and easier access to community resources Provided weekly one-on-one instructional support at students' home schools
Supporting Students with Disabilities ACPS is closing the achievement gap between students with disabilities and their peers by: Partnering with the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education to train secondary teachers in co-teaching and collaborative planning Using specialists to support students and staff Engaging with general education staff to support universal Tier 1 instruction and offering more support to all students needing Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports Restructuring the Special Education department to give teachers more hands-on coaching for developing and managing IEPs
Community Schools ACPS's Community Schools connect students and families with resources by: Developing three-year Implementation Plans based on a Needs Assessment with strategies to address barriers Offering wraparound services, extended learning time, staff trainng, and additional supports to engage students and families
Behavioral Health Support Student mental health is a priority, so ACPS has: Employed counselors, social workers, mental health specialists, and behavioral specialists who work directly with students Partnered with community agencies for in-school and out-of-school services Worked with Allegany College of Maryland to teach Mind-Body Connection course. Coordinated community services for students and families in targeted areas
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FOCUS ON BLUEPRINT PROGRESS Pillar 5: Governance & Accountability Governance and Accountability Effective implementation depends on knowing what is working and responding quickly when adjustments are needed. To that end, Allegany County Public Schools has established a governance and accountability structure that ensures clear oversight, consistent communication, and transparent measurement of progress.
Organizational Structure Steering Committee: Composed of the co-chairs of all five Pillar Teams, the Steering Committee oversees implementation, reviews progress, and approves key decisions. Pillar Teams: Five Pillar Teams meet regularly to plan, implement, and monitor strategies within their respective areas of focus. Facilitator: A dedicated facilitator coordinates work across teams and supports accurate, transparent reporting of progress. Pilot Schools: During the 2024–2025 school year, three pilot schools (one elementary, one middle, and one high school) tested new approaches. Their results informed subsequent district-wide decisions.
Communication and Oversight Blueprint implementation is a standing agenda item at every Superintendent's Leadership Team meeting and at Board of Education meetings, providing regular opportunities for review and public accountability. In December 2025, Maryland's Accountability and Implementation Board approved all of ACPS's Blueprint plans and funding components for 2026. These included career counseling, mathematics instruction, and student progress monitoring.
Measuring Progress Each Pillar maintains defined goals and performance indicators, which are reviewed regularly and reported publicly. Key measures include: Kindergarten readiness Reading and mathematics performance (DIBELS and MCAP), disaggregated by grade level and student group Percentage of ninth-grade students on track to graduate Percentage of tenth-grade students meeting College and Career Readiness standards Teacher recruitment, retention, and certification rates Enrollment in career and technical education programs and college-level coursework Chronic absenteeism rates
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2025-2026
CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES & FAMILIES
DAYS TO REMEMBER There’s no better day than graduation or certification day! Take a look back at the moments that brought joy to our students and families last May.
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2025-2026
HONORING OUR PEOPLE We are fortunate to have opportunities to recognize our exceptional employees.
2025 Allegany County Teacher of the Year: Jeannette Milburn, Braddock Middle School, Grade 6 Math
2025 University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Appalachian Laboratory Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award: Matthew Kline, Mount Savage School, Grade 7 Science Teacher
2025 ACEA Education Support Professional of the Year: Stephanie Scaletta, South Penn Elementary School, Instructional Assistant in Special Education
2026 State of Maryland School Security Employee of the Year: Reese Llewellyn, George's Creek Elementary
2026 MY TURN: Allegany County Instructional Assistant Stewart Monroe recognized for over 30 years of student impact.
2026 Allegany County Teacher of the Year: Elaine Davis, Mount Savage School, Grade 8 Science
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CONTINUING OUR FUTURE FOCUS
ACPS has identified three priorities for continued growth.
Time for Teachers
What Success Will Look Like by 2027
Teachers do their best work when they have room to
By 2027, ACPS expects full-day Pre-K access for all
plan, collaborate, and grow professionally. The 2026– 2027 calendar now builds in more time for staff training
Tier 1 families, an open regional Early Learning Center, and a narrowed kindergarten-readiness gap
and collaboration. Select elementary schools are piloting
for students with disabilities.
new scheduling approaches with the state's guidance, and high schools are working toward a shared schedule by 2027–2028.
Supporting Every Student ACPS has partnered with K12 Systems Change Solutions to establish common MTSS structures, implementation tools, coaching systems, and continuous improvement processes at schools. Every school now has a resource and process guide, backed by additional leadership training.
Recruiting & Retaining Great Teachers Like many rural districts, ACPS faces real challenges building a diverse, qualified teacher pipeline. The district raised starting pay to $60,000 and introduced conditional
All K–3 teachers will be trained in the Science of Reading, with proficiency rising at every grade, and the Comprehensive Math Plan will be fully in place. At the high school level, ACPS expects a 9thgrade on-track rate above 90% and more students meeting College and Career Readiness by 10th grade. An ACPS Career Ladder will be fully established, with more National Board Certified teachers mentoring across the district. More students attending local colleges, continued growth in career and technical education enrollment, high-quality tutoring available in every school, and more students connected to mental health support.
licenses to create additional pathways for qualified candidates to enter the classroom.
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Where Every Student Climbs to Higher Altitudes The State of the Allegany County Public Schools is strong, and the best days are in front of us! Allegany County Board of Education | Central Office Building, 108 Washington Street, Cumberland, MD 21502 | 301.759.2000
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