2025 Top 10: Year in Review!

What a year! From academic growth and new leadership, to tech-forward classrooms, we’ve spent 2025 turning big momentum into even bigger results. Here’s a look at the top 10 moments that defined our journey this year.

1. Staffing: Leading the State in Hiring

We didn't just fill seats; we set the standard for recruitment! PGCPS led Maryland by cutting teacher vacancies by 52%, improved hiring efficiency, and finalized historic contracts including raising starting teacher salaries above $60,000 a full year ahead of the state deadline. We’re making PGCPS the most competitive place to work because our educators and staff deserve it.

2. Expanding College Credit in Our Schools

Tuition-free college courses will be offered within every PGCPS high school by the 2026–27 school year through our expanded Dual in the Schools program. 

3. The 100-Day Plan: Toward Alignment & Excellence

In his first 100 days, Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph hit the ground running with 20 "Listen & Learn" sessions and a roadmap focused on five “Big Rocks" intended to move the district from "pockets of excellence" to “excellence everywhere.”

4. New Dashboards: Transparency in Action

We launched five new public-facing performance and staffing dashboards to let the data do the talking. Now, families can track our progress in real-time, from classroom vacancies to student achievement metrics. Priority & School Staffing Vacancy Dashboards  District and School Dashboards

5. Better Bus Service: In With the New

Transportation is trending up! We slashed driver vacancies to the lowest in recent memory! We also launched the new Chipmunk app to give families real-time tracking and peace of mind at the bus stop.

6. Academic Growth: Rising Star Power

The results are in, and PGCPS is rising! More than three in four schools (over 75%) earned 3, 4, or 5 stars on the Maryland Report Card — with more schools improving than declining. On MCAP, more than 85% of students are performing at or above their like peers statewide.

7. Girls Flag Football: History on the Gridiron

We officially brought girls flag football to our high schools, opening up a new world of competition and teamwork for our student-athletes. This historic launch is part of our commitment to expanding equity and providing more ways for our scholars to lead and shine.

8. Immunization: The $20 Million Comeback

We slashed non-compliance from 4,000 students last year to single digits this year! This health win didn’t just keep our kids in class, it restored nearly $20 million in attendance-based funding for our schools.

9. Tech & AI: Learning for the Future

Through our AI Implementation Framework, we’re leaning into technology to personalize learning and streamline operations. We’re leveraging these tools to close gaps, amplify student brilliance, and automate routine tasks — reclaiming valuable time for leading and teaching.

10. Immigrant Families: Standing Together

In a shifting and difficult political environment, we’re standing firm: our schools are safe spaces to learn for every child. By launching an Immigration Resource Hub and Federal Transition Task Force, we’ve ensured our newcomer families are protected and informed.