Architecting What’s Next: 2026 State of the Schools

Eight months ago, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph presented a 100-Day Entry Plan that laid the foundation for transformative action across the district. The plan—designed to build trust, promote equity, enhance student achievement, and improve organizational effectiveness—rested on a bold declaration from the Interim Superintendent:

“In Prince George’s County, we do not wait for hope—we create it. We do not watch change—we lead it. And we do not walk alone—we rise together.”

The delivery of the 2026 State of the Schools Address by the Joseph administration proved to be the fulfillment of that promise. The administration laid forth a bold vision to architect a new future, demonstrating what is possible when brilliance is nurtured, equity is intentional, and progress is accelerated through strategic investments.

The Five "Big Rocks": Our Non-Negotiable Outcomes

On the heels of closing a $150 million budget gap for the 2025-26 school year, the Joseph administration began the 2026 State of the Schools address by framing defined strategic accelerants around five “Big Rocks”—non-negotiable outcomes that define success for the district:

• Mathematics & Literacy: Ensuring every student masters foundational skills.
• Special Education & Multilingual Learners: Prioritizing outcomes for our most diverse learners.
• Internships & Dual Enrollment: Creating clear pathways to college and high-wage careers.
• Organizational Culture: Building a system where every student and staff member can thrive.
• Chronic Absenteeism: Removing barriers to daily learning and engagement.

Strategic Accelerants: Fueling Lasting Gains

Dr. Joseph and Chief of Staff Dr. Deann Collins debuted five strategic accelerants aimed at driving progress on PGCPS 'Big Rocks' and scaling excellence throughout the school system.

As the Joseph administration showcased current milestones met under the five high-impact investment areas and the need for continued investment, they illustrated how further investment in these areas will fuel lasting student gains while strengthening the school system as a whole for both students and employees.

1. Professional Development: “Variance as the Enemy of Excellence”

When educators thrive, students accelerate. Dr. Joseph and Chief of Staff Dr. Deann Collins are positioning professional development not merely as a support service, but as a critical accelerant to scale excellence across the district. Central to this vision is the guiding principle that “variance is the enemy of excellence.” By identifying and eliminating the inconsistencies in instructional quality that create "pockets of excellence," the administration aims to ensure that every student, in every classroom, receives high-caliber instruction.

Key milestones in this effort include consolidating all professional learning into a single, unified structure: the Office of Organizational Development. To be built in close collaboration with PGCPS labor partners, this office would serve as the central hub for cultivating talent. By professionalizing the growth of both educators and staff, the administration is ensuring that further investment in this area will not only fuel lasting student gains but also strengthen the professional trajectory of every employee within the system.

Additionally, real-time, job-embedded learning and support, including the strategic deployment of a $1.6 million literacy coaching grant in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education, are forthcoming.

2. AI Literacy

As the first district in Maryland to adopt a comprehensive AI framework and formal Board policy, PGCPS  is pioneering a human-centered approach to AI literacy. Central to this effort is a commitment to operational efficiency, leveraging AI tools to accelerate staff productivity and save educators' time by streamlining administrative workflows. 

For students,  by integrating AI literacy as a foundational skill similar to reading and math, PGCPS is equipping students for a future job market that requires the responsible and innovative use of these tools. This strategic rollout is underpinned by a commitment to ethics and data privacy, ensuring that human judgment and critical thinking remain at the heart of all technological integration.

3. Safety & Security

Over the next four years, PGCPS is advancing a phased set of security upgrades:

• Year One: A $2 million investment to outfit all high schools with AI-based weapons detection, facial recognition, expanded stadium/parking camera coverage, and license plate readers. As well as a $2.45 million investment to expand these enhancements to middle and K-8 schools.
• FY28 Goal: A $6.8 million investment to install visual alert systems in all elementary schools, allowing educators to call for help instantly.

4. Special Education

PGCPS serves more than 17,000 students with disabilities. While federal law mandates 40% funding, the district currently receives closer to 15%. To bridge this gap, PGCPS is requesting targeted local investments:

• $3.1 million for IEP Facilitators: Relieving teachers of administrative burdens to focus on instruction.
• $2.4 million for Early Childhood Services: Strengthening support during critical developmental years.
• $2.3 million for Autism Program Expansion: Responding to a population that has grown 58% since 2013.
• $1.9 million for Intervention Teachers: Providing specialized support within general education classrooms.

5. Employee Compensation

As the largest employer in Prince George’s County, PGCPS recognizes its 22,000 professionals as the engine of acceleration. The FY27 budget includes $102 million to honor negotiated commitments. With a starting salary over $60,000 and faster hiring through the “Fast Lane” initiative, PGCPS has successfully reduced teacher vacancies by 52% and brought driver vacancies to historic lows.

Supporting Partners

The presentation of the 2026 State of the Schools Address was made possible through the generous support of partners including the Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS, Kaiser Permanente, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, and Walden University.

“Walden University is a proud partner of PGCPS,” said Monique Raulston, Senior National Account Management Specialist for Walden University. “We prepare current and future educators with the real-world skills and confidence to thrive, and we are looking forward to helping support the district's professional development accelerant efforts any way that we can.”

“For more than 70 years, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union has believed in the power of education to transform lives,” added Candace Thompson, Business Development Officer for Educational Systems FCU. “We proudly invest in the students, educators, and classrooms of PGCPS because supporting our schools today builds a brighter future for Prince George’s County.”

A Promise Kept at Suitland High School

The address, which also honored more than 20 PGCPS employees who have led key initiatives moving the district forward, was delivered in the new Suitland High School, a state-of-the-art facility that opened its doors just three weeks ago. Boasting 389,108 square feet of classrooms, laboratories, studios, competition and auxiliary gymnasiums, dining commons, a library center, learning terrace and outdoor commons, the school represents a promise kept to the community.

“With every brick laid and every dollar strategically invested, PGCPS is architecting a new future with a brighter tomorrow for every student of Prince George’s County.”

View the address here.