May 2026 | VOL. 5, ISSUE 2 | | |
Dear School Board Members,
I'm glad to share on April 27 we warmly welcomed school board alumnus and business executive Joseph ("Joe") Goetz to MABE as MABE's new Executive Director.
We will be hearing much more from Joe in the days ahead, but he notes three initial goals he's set for the early days of his new role:
First, ensuring a smooth transition for both association and insurance-focused projects and member offerings. Second, remaining visible and accessible to MABE member school systems, with the intention of spending a good portion of time in school board members' counties. And third, drawing from his decades as a business executive, continuing MABE's focus on budget sensitivities and cost-effectiveness when it comes to MABE member offerings.
Although we are excited to welcome Joe, the upcoming departure of Milt Nagel, his Executive Director predecessor at MABE, is bittersweet.
Space in this greeting does not permit listing all of Milt's accomplishments during his tenure at MABE, but worth highlighting is his hard work to successfully modernize the association on several fronts; his staff reorganization project and leadership role alongside MABE members on the association's new 2026-2029 Strategic Plan; and the new, cost-effective health programs and insurance services he grew and introduced for MABE members—all while avoiding member dues increases for three years running. Thank you, Milt, for all that you've done, and all that you are. Maryland is an even better place thanks to people like you.
With anticipation for MABE's additional successes to come, I thank every local school board member for your continuing efforts, involvement, and unwavering dedication. Given all you already have accomplished, just think what else is possible!
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Diana Hawley (Cecil County)
MABE President
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2026 Legislative Session Recap
The 2026 legislative session concluded at midnight on April 13, marking a steady but consequential year for public education. While the State largely maintained its commitment to Blueprint funding, the session brought a wide range of policy changes that will directly affect how school systems operate, govern, and support students.
From new flexibility with statewide accountability and construction updates to device restrictions, cybersecurity requirements, and highly debated policy changes, this year's session touched a wide variety of issues affecting school systems. It also included meaningful advocacy wins, along with several proposals that did not advance.
We invite you to read MABE's legislative session summary—including key bills, impacts, and takeaways—by visiting this MABE blog post.
For more information on the 2026 legislative session and outcomes of education-focused bills, please visit MABE's Legislative Tracker and our 2026 Legislative Summary Deck. view our 2026 Legislative Summary Deck
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MABE Annual Conference 2026 Keynoter Announced
We're pleased to share MABE's Conference Program Committee has booked our Keynote Speaker for this year's Annual Conference.
Dr. Marguerite Roza, Research Professor and Edunomics Lab Director at Georgetown University, leads the McCourt School of Public Policy's Certificate in Education Finance.
Dr. Roza's expertise in federal-, state-, and district-level fiscal policies and their implications on resources for school systems will no doubt lead to thought-provoking discussions at this year's Annual Conference.
Our 2026 conference will take place at The Westin Annapolis on Oct. 19-20.
Please stay tuned for more details about this year's conference, coming soon.
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Congrats to Prince George's County Public Schools on Grand Prize Magna Award Win!
Kudos from the whole MABE team to Prince George's County Public Schools and its Environmental Office!
Prince George's County Public Schools was recently named a Grand Prize Winner of the 31st Annual Magna Awards, honoring the school system's innovative work and its focus on how much student well-being ties to a healthy school environment.
Specifically, PGCPS was awarded the top nod for its "trailblazing work in improving indoor air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions," according to a related school system press release.
Additional details on the school system's Environmental Office are available HERE. Congratulations, PGCPS!
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~ Mary M. Washington,
30-year elected member of the St. Mary's County Board of Education
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Why do you work to help support public education in Maryland?
"A world-class public education is the foundation of a strong democracy, where all students have opportunities to fulfill their undeniable potential to become active, contributing members of society. This is the reason I work diligently to preserve, protect, and advocate for public education and the America I love."
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Interested in sharing why you serve as a school board member?
We want to hear from you!
Why do you work to help support public education in Maryland?
Why do you choose to serve as a school board member?
What difference do school board members help make in their communities?
Drop us a line and let us know, so we can share your perspective in an upcoming issue.
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Thinking About Your Next Leadership Role? Consider Serving on the MABE Board!
Each year, MABE's Nominating Committee undertakes one of the Association's most important responsibilities: developing a thoughtful, representative slate of Officers and Board of Directors. This work is grounded in MABE's mission and strengthened by members who are actively engaged—essential components in sustaining MABE's work as the leading advocate for Maryland's boards of education.
If you're committed to elevating the voice of local boards at the state level, and looking to expand your impact beyond your local district, serving on MABE's Board of Directors may be a great option!
What is the MABE Board of Directors—and why consider serving?
The MABE Board of Directors is a statewide governing body of local board members from across Maryland who shape MABE's legislative priorities, strengthen governance and professional learning, represent diverse school systems, and guide the Association's strategic direction.
Serving on the MABE Board offers the opportunity to influence statewide education policy, build relationships with board members across Maryland, and contribute your expertise to strengthening public education governance.
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THIS YEAR'S NOMINATION TIMELINE:
Formal Call for Nominations for MABE's Board of Directors:
Open NOW. Please submit your nomination HERE.
Nomination Submission Deadline:
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Final Slate of Board Members will be shared with the MABE Board in September, prior to MABE's Annual Business Meeting.
September (Date TBD)
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Is this your year to step forward?
MABE thrives because members like you step forward to lead! Your experience, voice, and commitment make a meaningful difference statewide.
MABE's Nominating Committee considers a range of factors for potential Board members, including leadership on local boards; participation in MABE services and events; and diversity in school system size, geography, gender, ethnicity, and other factors.
You may be an excellent candidate to serve on MABE's Board if you:
- offer a collaborative, statewide perspective;
- value strong governance and advocacy; and
- want to help shape the future of Maryland public education.
We encourage you to submit your nomination form HERE.
Please contact Anne Smith with any related questions. Thank you in advance for your potential interest!
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In recognition of local school board members' exceptional commitment to championing excellence in public education for all Maryland students, MABE's Board of Directors approved on March 19 making the association's Distinguished School Board Service Award an annual honor.
The award honors a school board member who has made outstanding contributions to public education through school board service in Maryland through his or her commitment to public education; student-centered governance; and collaborative leadership and integrity.
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Nominating a colleague—whether a long-serving leader or a newer member making a meaningful impact—helps tell the story of excellence in board service across Maryland. Your nomination helps ensure Maryland's public education leadership is celebrated and recognized with pride and purpose!
If you'd like to nominate a colleague for this year's Distinguished School Board Service Award, we encourage you to work with your fellow board members in submitting a nomination.
Additional information about MABE awards is available on this page of the MABE site. The nomination form also will be available on this same page beginning May 15.
DEADLINE for Nominations is June 22, 2026.
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New MABE Flash Training!
Student Board Member
Roles & Responsibilities:
A Student's Seat at the Board Table
In response to member requests, MABE continues to offer "flash videos" which consist of brief video trainings on key topics.
MABE's most recent addition to our video training catalogue is "Student Board Member Roles & Responsibilities" with MABE Board Development Director Molly Young.
Focusing on the important role Student Board Members play in their respective school systems, this six-minute flash training focuses on the important contributions Student Board Members make to their respective school systems, what their role is, and (just as importantly), what it is not.
Our abbreviated yet information-filled video trainings are meant to fit well with school board members' busy schedules. Student Board Members, we hope you can tune in!
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MABE News Clips
MABE News Clips is a member-only weekly resource created to help keep you informed of public education-related news and trends.
If you're not already receiving news clips, please contact us so we can be sure to add you to our distribution list.
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MABE OFFERING:
Candidate Information Sessions
for School Board Candidates
Is your School Board interested in cultivating the next generation of local leaders? Do you have a Board of Education election coming up?
In support of our commitment to quality leadership for Maryland's public schools, MABE has developed a Candidate Information Session to help school and community leaders inform school board candidates. Held locally, these sessions provide candidates with information on the following topics:
- Overview of School Boards and members
- Board member duties, roles, and responsibilities
- The Board - Superintendent relationship
- Characteristics of effective school board members
- Why board members serve
Interested in scheduling a Candidate Information Session? Please contact MABE Board Development Director Molly Young for further details.
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Have You Updated Your Engagifii Profile Yet?
Engagifii, MABE's new member-centric database and management system, is your hub for managing your profile and contact information, registering for events and trainings, and accessing key MABE member resources.
Throughout the 2026 legislative session, connected members and school system staff were able to follow legislative updates directly through Engagifii—reinforcing how important keeping your profile up to date is for staying informed.
As we continue rolling out Engagifii, we want to ensure every local school board member enjoys a smooth, connected experience. Keeping your information up to date helps your colleagues and MABE staff stay connected with you throughout the year.
Now is a great time to double-check your Engagifii profile to make sure your details are accurate. The great news is getting started is easy!:
Activate your account:
If you haven't already activated your Engagifii account, please look for a recently sent email invitation from identify_donotreply@engagifii.com with instructions to set up your username and password. (If you have trouble finding this message in your inbox, please check your spam filter or email me.)
Log in and update your profile:
Please visit https://mabe.engagifii.com/, click your name in the top right corner, and select My Profile. Review your information, make any needed updates, and click Save. You can access the platform anytime through the Member Login on the MABE homepage.
Explore what's inside:
Once logged in, browse upcoming events, trainings, and resources. You can register directly through the platform—either independently or with support from your Board Assistant. Just be sure to follow your school system's registration procedures.
Need assistance?
We're here to help! Please feel free to contact me with any questions as you get set up.
More to come:
Engagifii is just getting started. We'll continue adding new tools and features to support your work and strengthen your connection to MABE.
Thank you for keeping your profile current, and helping us strengthen our member community! Engagifii will make it easier than ever to stay informed, engaged, and connected.
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621 Ridgely Avenue, Suite 300
Annapolis, MD 21401
Ph: 410-841-5414 | 800-841-8197
MABE.org
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