STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Christopher T. Cross, President, 1997

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201—2595 (410) 767-0467

The State Board of Education has general con-
trol and supervision over public schools and the
educational interests of the State. It sets policy for
the administration of the public school system by
adopting bylaws and regulations which have the
force of law (Code Education Article, secs. 2-201
through 2-205). The Board, often through the
State Superintendent of Schools, consults with and
advises county boards of education, superinten-

dents of schools and their staffs, principals, and
teachers. It also mediates disputes arising from the
twenty-four local independent school districts in
Maryland.
With the advice and counsel of the State Su-
perintendent of Schools, the State Board of Edu-
cation sets standards for instruction in schools
and for programs in public libraries and voca-
tional rehabilitation. The Board also sets the
standards for certification of teachers and other
professional personnel and for requirements to
graduate high school. If local school districts do
not comply with State standards, the Board may
recommend that State funds be withheld from
those districts. For schools which consistently fail