OC Today-Dispatch FEBRUARY 20, 2026
STUBBORNLY LOCAL, EQUALLY INDEPENDENT
Sign up now for our new, Monday-Friday newsletter. — Page 25
PRICELESS
Berlin farm out as site for resort’s sports plex City Council decides against buying farmland at edge of Berlin, but says it’s still committed to developing facility. — PAGE 12
Pre-Labor Day school start OK’d by board STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
KEEP HANGING ON Stephen Decatur High freshman John Bergey is pictured competing in the Strength and Conditioning State Tournament at Worcester County Recreation Center. Decatur’s two teams placed first and second, winning the state championship for the third straight year. Bergey, who tripled his previous best time, is pictured being encouraged by coach Shannon Bone and teammate Carsen Knerr. See page 60 for team photo.
An uncooperative calendar and desire for longer winter break leads school officials to break tradition.— PAGE 3
Rental license moratorium ends Boardwalk With a referendum in the offing, the City Council instead rescinds the moratorium on issuing new short-term rental licenses in single-family home neighborhoods. Members also to cease seeking ways to limit these rentals in traditional neighborhoods. — PAGE 10
bike hours extended— PAGE 18
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OC Today-Dispatch
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Worcester schools to reopen before Labor Day for 26-27 Leaders report holiday hits late this year, votes Aug. 31 to give longer holiday break By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Feb. 20, 2026) Worcester County Public Schools will start before Labor Day this fall, and professional development days will be staggered, per the recently approved 2026-2027 school year calendar. At the Worcester County Board of Education’s meeting this week, the body heard from WCPS Coordinator of Public Relations Carrie Sterrs, who presented the recommended schedule for the upcoming school year. Most notably, the calendar has students getting their backpacks ready a little early this year. The official first day of school is set for Monday, Aug. 31, a move that deviates from the educational system’s traditional postLabor Day start. Sterrs said the decision to push up the first day of school is based on the fact that the end-of-summer holiday falls abnormally late in 2026. Labor Day is Sept. 7 this year. A Sept. 8 backto-school is just not feasible, leaders say. WCPS Superintendent Annette Wallace said that she and Board of Education President Todd Ferrante “had a lot of conversations” about a pre-Labor Day start, and what the logistics of that would look like. Part of that process, Wallace said, was speaking with Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, as numerous older students — and some teachers and staff — work at the resort’s businesses during the tourist season. The change will allow for time off elsewhere in the calendar. The school system will be closed on Friday, Sept. 4, and Monday, Sept. 7, for Labor Day weekend. Winter break will be a full two weeks, which Sterrs said “was something the school system was very vocal about.” Christmas and New Year’s vacation is set for Monday, Dec. 21 through Friday, Jan. 1. Additionally, the tentative last day of school is June 11, rather than June 15 as was previously considered. Regarding the early start, board member Jon Andes acknowledged the challenge the calendar development team faces and the difficulty of appealing to all school system stakeholders. “Everyone wants to start after Labor Day, have two weeks off at Christmastime, a week off at spring break, and get out of school on June 1,” he said. “That’s an impossible feat to accomplish.” Also notable to the 2026-2027 calendar is how professional development is handled.
Sterrs said this model pilots a staggered closure. Under the system, elementary and high schools will be closed for students on the same days to support staff professional development. On alternative dates, Berlin Intermediate School, Cedar Chapel Special School, and all three area middle schools will be closed for students. The professional development days are: Oct. 7, elementary and high schools are closed for students, all other schools open; Jan. 13, Cedar Chapel Special School, Berlin Intermediate School and all middle schools closed for students, all other schools open; Feb. 10, elementary and high schools are closed for students, all other schools open; and March 10, Cedar Chapel Special School, Berlin Intermediate School and all middle schools closed for students, all other schools open. Sterrs said that a previous half-day model for professional development was "consistently challenging,” particularly for transportation and food services. She added that the two groups were chosen with childcare in mind. “We paired our elementary and high schools together for those closures,” Sterrs said. “Older siblings and neighbors may be available for childcare.” For the other grouping, the state permits children over the age of eight to be home alone. However, Sterrs maintained that families should make the best care decisions available to them. “Maryland law allows children over the age of eight to be home unattended,” she said. “That is not to say we are endorsing that practice…but by adopting a calendar today, we are giving families ample time, six months, to plan for these days.” Ultimately, the school board approved the proposed calendar. Member Jackie Cutlip was the sole dissenting vote. Cutlip said she was unable to sign off on the schedule because the preLabor Day start was not mentioned on the three calendars previously considered and presented to the community. “For me and students and staff and people, I wasn’t expecting the preLabor Day thing,” she said. “That threw me for a loop. I’m not opposed to that in the years it hits…It just came out of left field. It wasn’t on calendar one, two, or three.” She added that she also struggled to understand the staggered professional development closures. “Parents and teachers alike, no one likes PD,” Cutlip continued. “But they have to do it … half days present a challenge, but full days will present more of a challenge for rotating days … I think it will be more troublesome … So that is why I voted no.”
T HA N K YOU ST E R LI N G TA AV V E R N, 410 SOC I A L & COU C NT E R C LOX FOR H OST I N G A BA R C RAW L TO B E N E F I T OU R E M P LOYE ES! WE CANNOT SA AY Y THAN K YOU ENOUG H FOR F THE OVE RWHE LM ING SU P PORT TH I S C OMMUN ITY HA H S SH OWN US !
NOT I C E OF T E M POR A RY C LOSU R E DUE TO A RECENT INCIDENT, T, OUR EST ES ST TA ABLISHMENT A IS CLOSED UNTIL FUR RT THER NOTICE. WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTL LY Y TO REOPEN AN ND REGRET ANY DISRUPTION TO YOUR PLA ANS. TH HA ANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDER RS ST TA ANDING. A WE WILL PROVIDE UPDA DA AT TE ES S AS SOON AS POSSIBLE REG GA ARDING OUR REO OPENING. The Mushrush family would like to thank you for all the calls , messages & kind d wor rd ds.
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OC Today-Dispatch
FEBRUARY 20, 2026
Board of Ed floats $157M operating budget By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Feb. 20, 2026) The Worcester County Board of Education will be taking a $157 million operating budget before the county commissioners later this year, having approved that spending package for the next fiscal year on Tuesday. Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert told the board the plan reflects negotiated employee salary increases, rising health insurance costs, transportation expenses, and expanded student programs. The proposed FY27 budget totals $157,061,424, representing an increase of about $13 million or 9.19% from FY26. According to Tolbert, the largest share of the budget increase — $7,011,535 — comes from employee and bus contractor costs. This in-
cludes $4.39 million for teaching staff salary increases, $2.18 million for support staff, an increase in substitute teachers’ pay from $15 to $17.25 per hour, which accounts for $175,000, and $268,000 in rate increases for the school system’s bus contractors. Health insurance and retirement expenses make up another significant portion of the budget increase. While subject to change, the school system anticipates a 16.8% increase in health insurance costs totaling $2.74 million, along with nearly $300,000 in other post-employment benefits and $60,000 in retirement costs. Combined, those items account for $3.09 million of the $13 million increase. The budget also asks for $1.72 million for student programs and services. Requests include maintaining
two pre-kindergarten teachers and two educational assistants at Pocomoke Elementary School; additional funds for dual-enrollment opportunities; launching an Elementary RISE behavioral support program; assigning bus aides to all elementary school transportation routes; and continuing summer academy programs. Tolbert cautioned that without inhouse behavioral support programs like RISE, some students could require out-of-county placements costing $200,000 to $300,000 per student annually. “There are no areas on this side of the bridge for those services,” he said. “That means they’re going to Baltimore, across the bay … If we just had a couple of those students placed in those out-of-county services, it would
be more than what we have to pay for this RISE program.” Furthermore, operational realignment and inflationary adjustments, as well as technology upgrades, accounts for $1.18 million of the overall budget increase. In addition, the board approved a $400,000 capital request for Berlin Intermediate School, which is expected to follow closely behind the planned construction of Buckingham Elementary School. “We are getting ready to break ground on BES, hopefully in the spring of 2027,” Tolbert said. “Right on the heels of that is the BIS project … To make sure we keep BIS on track, we are asking for some local funds for that project moving forward in 2027.” He added that the Worcester County Commissioners know the $400,000 request is coming. Board member Jon Andes noted that the budget provides a $4,000 pay increase for all employees, helping the district meet the state-mandated $60,000 minimum teacher salary under Maryland’s Blueprint for Education. “The pay increase is there, required by law, so it has to happen,” he maintained. The board voted to approve the budget as presented, with only one dissenting vote. Board member Jackie Cutlip said her opposition stemmed from concerns about school safety funding. She said that while behavioral programs are included, there is no dedicated line item for safety specific initiatives.
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OVER $56,500 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2025 12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410-524-1203
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W NE ING! T S I L
12971 INLET ISLE • LANE ESTATES AT INLET ISLE OCEAN CITY • $2,699,900
231 N HERON DR • HERON HARBOUR ISLE • OCEAN CITY $2,200,000
Rarely does a single-family home become available in the highly sought-after community of Heron Harbour Isle in Ocean City, Maryland. This is your opportunity to own a stunning waterfront residence featuring over $458,000 in upgrades and improvements, sold fully furnished Stunning custom 5BR/5BA waterfront estate located in the prestigious Estates at and ready for immediate enjoyment. This exquisite, one-of-a-kind custom waterfront estate Inlet Isle Lane in West Ocean City. This exceptional home offers panoramic views offers a truly elevated coastal lifestyle with breathtaking views. Exceptional craftsmanship and of the marina, bay, canal, and ocean, with unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. meticulous attention to detail are evident throughout, making this home ideal for the sophisBoaters will love the deep-water slip accommodating up to a 42-foot boat with easy ticated buyer seeking custom finishes, efficiency, and timeless elegance. Situated on one of the inlet access. The modern coastal exterior features clean white lines, stone accents, largest lots in the community—a 9,549 sq. ft. lot—the property boasts extensive hardscaping and striking black details. MDWO2033522 and lush landscaping. 4BR/2.5BA waterfront, boat lift and screened in porch. MDWO2035746
WATERFRONT 2 BR, 2.5 BA CONDO with BOAT SLIP
WATERFRONT 2 BR, 2 BA CONDO
6305 ATLANTIC AVE UNIT 301 • OCEAN CITY $1,495,000 Luxury Direct Oceanfront 3BR/3.5BA Condo, 2,412 sq ft – Boutique Building with Only 4 Units! Experience the ultimate in coastal luxury living with this direct oceanfront 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath condo in one of Ocean City’s most prestigious boutique buildings. With only four residences, this exclusive property offers privacy, sophistication, and breathtaking views from every room. Wake up to the sound of waves and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic from your oceanfront primary suite. MDWO2033768
WATERFRONT 2 BR, 2.5 BA CONDO with BOAT SLIP
BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT 2BR, 2BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 11AM-1PM
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1-3PM
201 S HERON DR #8A HARBOUR CLUB OCEAN CITY $499,000
Welcome to this 2BR/2BA waterfront condo, filled with upgrades, located in Heron Harbour Isle. You will be wowed by the remodeled chef ’s kitchen featuring white cabinetry, stainless appliances and upgraded countertops. The kitchen, dining & family rooms flow seamlessly with an open concept living floor plan leading to a private balcony overlooking the water, bird sanctuary & breathtaking sunsets. Relax in your spacious primary bedroom with a spa-like, en-suite. The second bedroom is freshly painted with new carpeting. Enjoy resort-style amenities including tennis courts, a fitness center, clubhouse, sauna, indoor heated pool, lap pool, family pool, and a kiddie pool. This location is close to the beach, restaurants, shops, grocery stores & mini golf. Come experience the very best of coastal living! MDWO2034104
Wow—this stunning 2BR/2.5BA waterfront condo with a deeded boat slip #31 in Harbour Club is truly one of a kind. Completely remodeled between 2022 and 2025, this home showcases modern coastal luxury throughout and is one of the largest floor plans in Harbour Club. Deeded Boat Slip #31 conveys with the sale. The condo is being sold furnished, beautifully designed in neutral tones and ready for immediate enjoyment. MDWO2035916
Beautiful 2BR/2.5BA Harbour Club condo with deeded boat slip #9, sold fully furnished and move-in ready—everything you see conveys. One of the larger floor plans in the community, this coastal-style unit overlooks the canal with stunning sunset views over the bay and Ocean City skyline. Luxury vinyl flooring runs throughout. The kitchen offers ample cabinetry and a breakfast bar, opening to the dining area and spacious family room—perfect for entertaining. A glass slider leads to a large deck with canal and bay views. The primary suite features an ensuite bath, while the second bedroom offers a private bath and its own front deck, ideal for guests. Additional half bath and laundry included. Harbour Club amenities include a clubhouse, indoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, tennis courts, two outdoor pools, and a kiddie pool. Conveniently located near the beach, restaurants, and shopping. Don’t miss this one—schedule your showing today. MDWO2036148
2 BR, 2 BA CONDO with DEEDED BOAT SLIP LIFT & JET SKI LIFT
MOVE-IN READY 3 BR 2.5 BA CONDO with POOL
1 BR, 1 BA CONDO on CANAL
DIRECT OCEANFRONT 1 BR CONDO
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 11:30AM-1:30PM
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10:30AM-12:30PM
201 S HERON DRIVE UNIT 2D HERON HARBOUR ISLE • OCEAN CITY $429,900
201 S HERON DR #26B HARBOUR ISLAND • OCEAN CITY $595,000
205 125TH ST #208B ISLAND OF HIDDEN HARBOUR OCEAN CITY • $499,000 Beautiful waterfront 2BR/2BA condo located in the desirable community of The Island of Hidden Harbour in the Bermuda building! As you step through the front door, you’ll immediately fall in love with the open floor plan and stunning water views. The chef in your family will appreciate the updated kitchen featuring granite countertops and a tile backsplash, with the dining area flowing seamlessly off the kitchen—perfect for enjoying home-cooked meals overlooking the wide canals. This larger floor plan offers a spacious family room off the kitchen, all with beautiful waterfront views. Glass sliders lead to an oversized deck complete with a storage closet for all your beach toys. Enjoy crab feasts on the deck as you watch the boats go by and relax with the cool summer breezes. MDWO2035812
ICE ! PR NGE A H C
204 S HERON DR UNIT 202 G BAYWATCH II GRAND OCEAN CITY • $575,000
104 125TH ST #106 • LORELEI II NORTH OCEAN CITY • $575,000
Beautiful 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo with Deeded Boat Slip, lift & Jet Ski Lift in Baywatch II Grand Rarely available for sale, this beautiful second-floor condo in the Grand Baywatch building (with elevator) is now on the market! This spacious unit features one of the larger floor plans and includes a deeded boat slip and jet ski lifts— perfect for the boating enthusiast. MDWO2034514
OCEAN BLOCK 2 BR, 2 BA CONDO
This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo in Lorelei II offers an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, cozy gas fireplace, and a private balcony with front-row views of Winterfest and fireworks at Northside Park. The spacious primary suite includes a walk-in closet and direct balcony access, plus there are two more large bedrooms and a second full bath. Sold fully furnished and move-in ready, full remodel in 2021. Enjoy community amenities like a pool, plus easy access to the beach, dining, shops, and year-round fun at the park right across the street. MDWO2032542
COMMERCIAL
Stunning 2BR/2BA Condo Just One Back from the Beach! Welcome to your coastal retreat! Located on 66th Street in a desirable ocean block building, this beautifully updated condo is only steps from the sand and surf. MDWO2033508
Condo – Canal Views, Community Pool & Prime Location! This upgraded top-floor condo offers the best of both worlds— peaceful canal views and just two blocks from the beach! Sold fully furnished and move-in ready. Featuring open concept living with updated kitchen & bath, stainless appliances and storage galore. Close to Northside Park, the beach, restaurants, shops, and mini golf, this unit is the perfect coastal retreat or investment property. MDWO2033766
COMMERCIAL
6803 ATLANTIC AVE #4H OCEAN CITY • $425,000 Beautiful top-floor, direct oceanfront condo just hit the market! This is one of the largest one-bedroom oceanfront condos available, located in a desirable midtown setting. The wellmaintained condominium complex features an oceanfront pool, perfect for relaxing beach living. This spacious condo offers a large, private oceanfront balcony—ideal for enjoying breathtaking sunrises and cool summer ocean breezes. MDWO2035292
PRIME WATERFRONT LOT
34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $3,900,000
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 11AM-1PM
1 66TH ST #101 • VINTAGE OCEAN CITY • $479,000
105 123RD STREET UNIT B332 JOCKEY BEACH CLUB • OCEAN CITY $259,900
32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $5,900,000 Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 8.4 acres. This is a rare commercial development opportunity on the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach!
Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shoppingcenter on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528
10312 THIRTY KNOTS LN GLEN RIDDLE • BERLIN NOW $1,090,000 Rare Opportunity: Build Your Dream Home on a Prime Waterfront Lot! Seize the chance to create your ideal residence on this exceptional 0.73-acre waterfront lot, nestled on an expansive sandy beach within the highly sought-after gated community of Glen Riddle. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ocean City skyline, and breathtaking vistas of Turville and Hearing Creek, as well as the Assawoman Bay. Glen Riddle is an amenity-rich community. MDWO2023166
WATERFRONT HOME with GARAGE
COMMERCIAL PRIME RESIDENTIAL LOT
MOBILE HOME PARKS FENWICK ISLAND, SOUTHHAMPTON DR. DE LOT 46 • LIGHTHOUSE SOUND OFFERED AT Beautiful waterfront singleBISHOPVILLE8 $449,000 family home located in the Your Dream Home! A rare This is a prime location quiet neighborhood of Wood Build opportunity has just become in sought-after FenDuck II in Ocean Pines com- available in the prestigious Light- wick Island! This is an ing to the market very soon! house Sound community! This extremely rare opporThis well-maintained prop- expansive 20,237.00 sq ft lot - tunity to purchase C-1 of the largest in the neigherty offers peace, privacy, and one borhood - offers the perfect set- commercial land in scenic water views on one of ting to build your dream home. the larger lots in the commu- Ideally situated on the corner of Fenwick Island DE nity, providing ample room Fox Ridge and Southampton close to the beach and for future expansion. The im- Drive. Enjoy a lifestyle of luxury Atlantic Ocean. A salty leisure in a community rec- breeze carries the scent pressive lot spans approxi- and ognized by Golf Magazine as one mately 19,757 square feet. of the Top 100 golf courses in the of the Atlantic Ocean as The sellers completed a reno- country. The Links at Lighthouse you stand on these 4 vation and expansion creat- Sound also features an elegant commercially zoned Cing a spacious and functional clubhouse and a highly rated 1 parcels in Fenwick Isrestaurant - perfect for relaxing layout. MDWO2035742 land. DESU2059932 after a round of golf. 3 EBB TIDE CT WOOD DUCK II OCEAN PINES $659,900
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2026 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15