Fair Funding, Clear Rules for All Public Schools
#MDCharterscount
Maryland’s public charter schools—and the families who choose them—are proud to be part of our state’s public education system. We’re grateful for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) board’s leadership in working to make funding fairer, simpler, and more transparent for every child.
A clear, consistent funding formula helps all public schools—including charter schools—thrive and ensures that every Maryland student has access to a high-quality public education.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Charter schools are public schools and deserve equal, fair treatment under state law.
When funding systems are unclear, students pay the price. Schools like EXCEL Academy have already closed due to inequitable funding—and others may be next without continued leadership and clarity from the State Board of Education.
Now is the time to get this right. By simplifying the funding calculation and clarifying limits on local withholdings, Maryland can bring the fairness and consistency families and educators have long needed—strengthening all our public schools.
what we’RE ASKING
We’re calling on our leaders at MSDE to continue to champion fair treatment for all public schools, including:
Support a simplified statewide funding formula that treats all public schools fairly and consistently, and that takes discrepancies in facilities funding into consideration.
Clarify and limit district withholdings to ensure we no longer play politics with Maryland’s students and set clear guardrails.
Encourage stronger collaboration between LEAs and charter schools to serve all public school students together.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Take Action Online
Send a message to your elected officials and State Board members urging continued support for fairness and clarity in Maryland charter school funding.
2. Email MSDE Directly
Share your story, thank MSDE for its leadership, and encourage continued progress toward an equitable, student-centered funding system via a personalized email (copy/paste below body text):
Dear [MSDE/State Board Member Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [parent/teacher/student/community member] from [City or County]. Thank you for your leadership to make Maryland’s public school funding fairer and more transparent for every child.
In my experience as a [parent/teacher/student/community member], charter schools have offered [me/my child/my students] the opportunity to [insert life-changing activity]. They are unique public schools that are an important part of the public education landscape in Maryland and help all kids succeed.
Families like mine appreciate your continued commitment to fairness, partnership, and opportunity for all Maryland students as decisions are made around clear funding guidelines.
With gratitude,
3. Show Support on Social Media
On October 28, join parents, educators, and advocates across Maryland using #MDChartersCount to call for fairness and collaboration. Let’s show our shared commitment to strong, equitable public schools.
Sample Post Language:
Maryland families believe in fair, clear funding for every public school. Thank you to @MdPublicSchools for working to get this right—for all students, in every community. Let’s keep moving forward together. #MDChartersCount
We’re proud to stand with @MdPublicSchools as they work toward fair, transparent funding for all Maryland public schools. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable system for every child. #MDChartersCount
Don’t forget to add one of our social graphics!
Thank You for Raising Your Voice
Maryland families believe in the promise of public education—and we’re proud to stand with MSDE in building a system grounded in fairness, partnership, and opportunity for every child.