Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) continues to strengthen its position as one of Maryland’s highest-performing and most innovative school districts. As of December 2025, the district is actively expanding academic opportunities, implementing new safety measures, and advancing construction projects aimed at supporting its growing student population.
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District Overview and Leadership
The Howard County Public School System serves more than 59,000 students across 78 schools, including elementary, middle, high, and special education centers. The district headquarters is located in Ellicott City, Maryland, and under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano, HCPSS remains committed to equitable education and academic excellence.
Dr. Martirano, who has led the district since 2017, recently announced that the 2025–2026 strategic plan will focus on closing achievement gaps, improving student well-being, and strengthening mental health resources across all grade levels. His continued leadership has been praised for emphasizing data-driven decision-making and community transparency.
Academic Achievements and Performance Trends
HCPSS consistently ranks among the top public school systems in Maryland for both academic performance and college readiness. The latest 2024–2025 Maryland State Department of Education report shows that Howard County students exceeded state averages in English Language Arts and Mathematics at nearly every grade level.
Graduation rates remain high at over 93%, with a growing percentage of students earning college credits through Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-enrollment programs. In 2025, HCPSS reported that more than 70% of high school students participated in at least one AP course before graduation, reflecting the district’s focus on college and career readiness.
New Facilities and Capital Projects
One of the most significant developments in 2025 has been the ongoing construction of High School 14, located in Jessup. Scheduled to open in August 2027, this long-awaited project will help alleviate overcrowding in the eastern portion of the county. The school is designed to serve more than 1,600 students and will feature modern STEM labs, collaborative learning spaces, and energy-efficient facilities.
Additionally, several schools—including Hammond High School and Oakland Mills Middle—are undergoing major renovations to update aging infrastructure and improve accessibility. The district’s Capital Improvement Program has allocated over $140 million for these projects through Fiscal Year 2026.
Budget and Fiscal Updates
In May 2025, the Howard County Board of Education approved a $1.15 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026. This budget increases funding for special education, student transportation, and technology infrastructure. A key highlight is the expansion of 1:1 Chromebook access, ensuring that every student from grades 3–12 has a dedicated device.
The district also continues to invest in teacher recruitment and retention amid a statewide educator shortage. Salaries were raised by an average of 5% for the 2025–2026 school year, and new mentorship programs have been launched to support early-career teachers.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
Howard County Public Schools has a long-standing reputation for its diversity and inclusion efforts. In 2025, the district expanded its Equity and Inclusion Office to better address disparities in student outcomes. The department’s current initiatives focus on:
- Increasing cultural representation in curriculum materials.
- Providing staff training on bias awareness and inclusive practices.
- Supporting multilingual learners and their families through translation and engagement programs.
HCPSS reports that students in the district represent more than 80 countries and speak over 100 languages. This global diversity continues to shape the district’s educational approach and community engagement.
Mental Health and Student Wellness
The district has strengthened its mental health support framework with more school-based counselors and access to virtual care partnerships. In 2025, HCPSS introduced Wellness Wednesdays, a monthly initiative promoting mindfulness, peer connection, and stress reduction across all schools.
Counseling staff now collaborate more closely with teachers to identify early signs of student distress. The district’s updated Student Well-Being Policy emphasizes early intervention and trauma-informed practices, helping students manage academic and social challenges more effectively.
Safety and Security Enhancements
School safety remains a top priority for Howard County Public Schools. In 2025, the district completed phase two of its Security Technology Upgrade Program, adding advanced door-lock systems, expanded camera coverage, and new visitor management software in all schools.
The school system also maintains close partnerships with the Howard County Police Department through the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. The collaborative approach focuses on relationship-building and restorative practices rather than punitive discipline.
Community Engagement and Board Activity
Public participation continues to play a strong role in district decision-making. The Board of Education hosts biweekly meetings and public hearings, with livestreams available through the HCPSS website and YouTube channel.
Recent discussions have focused on boundary adjustments linked to the opening of new schools, special education funding, and transportation logistics. Community feedback has influenced several board revisions, highlighting the district’s responsiveness to parental and student input.
Technology and Digital Learning
In 2025, HCPSS further expanded its Innovative Learning Program, supporting hybrid instruction and digital literacy across grade levels. Teachers now receive ongoing professional development on integrating AI tools and digital collaboration platforms responsibly into classroom instruction.
The district also upgraded its cybersecurity systems after implementing enhanced two-factor authentication and secure network protocols. These measures ensure the protection of sensitive student and staff data while supporting the growth of online learning platforms.
Environmental Sustainability Efforts
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of the district’s operational strategy. HCPSS currently operates 11 schools equipped with solar panels, contributing to reduced energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
The district’s Green School Initiative has led to recycling programs, student-led garden projects, and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at multiple campuses. Future plans include exploring solar canopy installations at new facilities, including High School 14.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As the 2025–2026 school year progresses, HCPSS continues to prioritize innovation, inclusion, and community partnership. With record enrollment growth and a strong reputation for academic excellence, the district faces both challenges and opportunities in shaping the future of public education in Maryland.
Ongoing efforts in digital learning, school construction, and mental health services demonstrate a comprehensive approach to meeting the evolving needs of students and families across Howard County.
Howard County Public Schools remains a model of educational excellence and community collaboration, showing how a diverse and forward-thinking district can continue to thrive in a rapidly changing world.