April 26 , 2006

Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Dear Senator:

I wanted personally to express my sincere appreciation to you for all of your support relative to the State Board of Education's efforts to restructure the lowest performing schools in the Baltimore City Public School system. Your dedication and commitment in trying to sustain Governor Erhlich's veto of HB 1215 was outstanding and truly appreciated.

The outcome of the veto being overturned in no way diminishes the fact that we all had the best interests of the students at heart. It was a shame to realize that the majority of the General Assembly did not share the Govenor's belief and did not have the political will to address and change the status quo that is accepted in these failing schools.

I am also grateful to you for continuing to keep education a top priority in Annapolis. Overall, Maryland schools received support on so many educational issues, which include over $400 million for the FY-2007 installment of the Bridge to Excellence Act, more than $322 million for school construction, funding to launch Math and Science Academies, Alternative Routes to Teaching, Guidance for New Teachers and Safety at Non-Public Schools, just to highlight a few.

Again, I thank you for all you do on behalf of Maryland's children, youth and families. I look forward to working with you on many of the education and policy issues that will benefit all children in the State.

Sincerely,

Nancy Grasmick
State Superintendent of Schools