HB 760
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2020 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
House Bill 760 (Delegate Smith)
Appropriations Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs
Maryland School for the Blind - Board of Directors - Reappointments
This bill allows a member of the Board of Directors for the Maryland School for the Blind
(MSB) who serves three consecutive terms to be reappointed for an additional term after
waiting one year from the completion of a third consecutive term. However, the chairman
may be reappointed to serve additional terms immediately after completion of
three consecutive terms. The bill takes effect July 1, 2020.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None. The bill applies only to the board of directors of MSB.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law: MSB is governed by a board consisting of 25 members. Of the 25 members,
subject to confirmation by the Senate of Maryland, five members, including one member
of the Senate of Maryland and one member of the Maryland House of Delegates, must be
appointed jointly by the Governor and the State Superintendent of Schools, with
recommendations from the chairman of the board; and 20 members must be elected
according to the charter and bylaws of MSB.
The term of a member is three years. No member of the board appointed after June 1, 1999,
except the chairman, may be reappointed for more than two additional terms. A member
who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a
successor is appointed. Any vacancy must be filled in the same manner in which the
vacating member was appointed.
Background: MSB serves students from birth to age 21 who are blind or visually
impaired, including some with multiple disabilities. MSB educates students whose needs
cannot be met in their respective 24 local school systems through community-based
outreach and comprehensive on-campus programs on a day or residential basis. Each
student has a mandated individualized education plan tailored to his or her needs. The MSB
program includes general education subjects and, in addition, special instruction in the
disability-specific areas of the expanded core curriculum that includes Braille, orientation
and mobility, career education, and independent living skills. Exit goals for students,
depending on their abilities, are to earn either a high school diploma or a certificate of
attendance at graduation or, prior to graduation, return to their local school systems with
increased skill levels essential for successful reintegration and academic achievement.
MSB receives the majority of its funding through a State formula grant that is based on
growth in enrollment and growth in State per pupil funding. MSB receives additional
State funding through the Enhanced Services grant, which provides supplemental funding
for blind students with additional disabilities who are at-risk for out-of-state placement,
though this funding is located outside of the Funding for Educational Organizations budget.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: SB 640 (Senator Guzzone) - Education, Health, and
Environmental Affairs.
Information Source(s): Maryland Department of Education; Department of Legislative
Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 14, 2020
rh/rhh Third Reader - March 13, 2020
Analysis by: Caroline L. Boice Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 760/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Maryland School for the Blind - Board of Directors - Reappointments: 8-310 Education
Text - Third - Maryland School for the Blind - Board of Directors - Reappointments: 8-310 Education