The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce recently held its Annual “State of the Wicomico County Public Schools” Forum and Luncheon at the Wicomico Civic Center, presented by First Shore Federal Savings & Loan, Comcast, Delmarva Power, and 47abc WMDT.
Sponsored by Becker Morgan Group and Salisbury University, the event attracted over one hundred business and organizational leaders and interested citizens from the region.
Wicomico County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Micah Stauffer addressed the attendees, expressing gratitude for their continued interest and support for the local public schools. His presentation covered several critical topics, including the current demographics of the school system, the importance of funding, the WCPS plan for success, achievements and highlights, and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
As part of the plan for success, Dr. Stauffer emphasized the increased presence of school resource officers, particularly in middle schools, thanking the County Executive and County Council for acknowledging the importance of these positions. He noted a rise in parent involvement attributed to initiatives designed to enhance parent engagement. Notably, he mentioned that nearly all schools in the system are designated as “community schools,” with plans for the final school to join this designation by 2026 or 2027.
In discussing the vision for the school system’s future, Dr. Stauffer highlighted the hiring of new teachers to accommodate growing classroom sizes. He presented data indicating that public school enrollment had increased by over six hundred students this school year, equating to the establishment of a new elementary school. He also outlined possible enhancements such as expanding essential services at the elementary level, adding more elective teachers in elementary schools, and upgrading school safety measures with AI weapons detection systems.
Dr. Stauffer further discussed the Blueprint for Maryland, focusing on the priority of expanding access to full-day Pre K for four-year-olds to establish a strong foundation for early learning, which is crucial for future student success. He underscored the significance of local funding, noting that it enables valuable experiences, such as field trips, that enrich learning, foster school culture, and connect educational programs to real-world applications.
In conclusion, Dr. Stauffer expressed appreciation to elected leaders, advocating for a future of formula-based investment from County Government to ensure stability and predictability for school system budgets in the coming years.
