Another year in the books

June 14 marked the last day of instruction for Baltimore County Public Schools students.

The 2023-24 school year was nothing short of eventful and was certainly one to remember.

Replacing former superintendent Darryl Williams, Myriam Rogers took the reins and completed her first full year as the school system’s top administrator.

She and her office focused on placed heavy emphasis on four key priorities that highlighted this year’s strategic plan: academic achievement, infrastructure, safety and climate, and highly effective teachers, leaders and staff.

“We are very excited that the school year has come to a close,” Rogers said at a press conference on June 17. “The work is not done and we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Thousands of high schoolers walked the stages and graduated, stepping into the next chapter of their lives. Some will enroll in four-year universities, some will attend two-year colleges and some will enter the workforce.

This year, as is customary, had its share of ups and downs. Some notable highlights for the 2023-24 year include:

Melissa Lingenfelder of Sandalwood Elementary School was named the BCPS Principal of the Year.Eastern Technical High School was ranked by the U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 public high school in the state.The Rosedale community said its final goodbyes to Golden Ring Middle School as officials broke ground on Nottingham Middle.An artificial intelligence scandal at Pikesville High School garnered national headlines.A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Red House Run Elementary School.Ongoing exchanges and discussions between elected officials, BCPS leaders, parents and local residents abound as the county explores solutions to school overcrowding.

The Baltimore County Board of Education approved a $2.58 billion budget proposal for BCPS in FY2025.

Students will return to classrooms for the 2024-25 school year on Aug. 26.