ANNAPOLIS, MD (AP) – The number of Maryland students eligible for free or reduced-price meals has risen surprisingly high, causing a $390 million increase on the cost of the state’s education reform law in the next fiscal year. That’s according to a recent analysis by the state. Senate President Bill Ferguson said the number of qualifying students went from about 323,000 to 433,000 between fall 2021 to fall 2022. The Blueprint for Maryland’s future is being phased in over a decade, with costs rising in later years. It focuses on expanding early childhood education, increasing teachers’ salaries, and providing aid to help struggling schools adequately prepare students for college and careers.
