Calvert County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel D. Curry

Prince Frederick, MD – It is arguably Calvert County’s most highly regarded export product—well-educated children. During the Third annual Superintendent’s State of the Schools Luncheon, Calvert County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel D. Curry outlined achievements and the challenges that lie ahead for the public school system.

The event, which was sponsored by Exelon Generation, benefitted the Calvert County School Foundation (CCSF) and received support from the businesses, individuals and entities comprising the Friends of the Foundation. According to the event program, “the CCSF operates under the umbrella of the Calvert Community Foundation, which is in partnership with Chesapeake Charities. The CCSF seeks to secure resources needed to enhance the educational process by supporting activities not typically funded by tax dollars.” The event was again held at the Calvert High School (CHS) Atrium and featured a performance by the CHS Musical Theatre Group, the presentation of colors by the CHD Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard, the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner by the CHS Chamber Choir and lunch catered by Career and Technology Academy (CTA) Culinary Arts students.

Curry noted that overall, Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) fared well in the latest Maryland School Report Card, which was announced by the Maryland State Department of Education. Nine county public schools—including three of the four high schools and four elementary schools—received five out of five stars. Eleven schools earned four of five stars. The superintendent reported CCPS is considered number one in Maryland for graduating students who are college and career-ready.
Other bragging points in Curry’s synopsis included CCPS’ achievements when competing with other schools in sports, marching band academic-related contests.
The concerns parents, teachers and students had early last year regarding school safety continue to be addressed, Curry indicated. He credited the Calvert Board of Education (BOE) and county commissioners with providing funding to install doors and locking mechanisms at 12 school buildings this past summer. Vestibule improvements were made at six elementary schools during the summer of 2018 with similar upgrades in the pipeline for seven more school buildings this coming summer. Installation of perimeter/surveillance cameras have been completed at all high schools, middle schools and CTA. This year the cameras will be installed at all elementary school buildings, Calvert Country School at the BOE building. Another safety component has been active shooter training that has taken place at every school. A partnership with the Calvert County Health Department is focusing on providing mental health support within the school buildings.

In addition to thanking the two elected boards for providing emergency funds to make schools safer Curry commended them for their agreement on a funding formula, adding that the budget component “helps meet obligations to our employees.” 

Priority areas for CCPS cited by Curry are workforce (recruiting and contracting teachers and other employees), community engagement (includes building relationships local businesses/organizations to provide benefits, incentives and resources for student and staff), equity, student outcomes, and climate and culture.
Curry also put in a plug for the “Calvertots and Calvert Basics” initiative, which encourages parents and grandparents to help start the learning process for small children prior to entering school. Information on the initiative is available at calvert.thebasics.org/

Prior to Curry’s presentation, Calvert County BOE President Dawn Balinski told attendees that CCPS personnel are “constantly striving for improvement.” She thanked CCSF supporters for proving “another revenue stream” to fund initiatives undertaken by CCPS teachers to better prepare students. “Teachers have been finding new ways of doing things,” said Balinski. She asked the local business owners in attendance to participate in shaping the futures of the CCPS students who are getting closer to being part of the local workforce.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com