Talbot School Board Highlights: Bus Shortage, Grading Changes and Declining Reserves

The Talbot County Board of Education confronted three significant challenges at its November 11 meeting: a continuing shortage of school bus drivers, concerns over the district’s new grading policy and declining financial reserves despite a clean annual audit.

Transportation problems produced the most immediate action, with the board unanimously approving a contract of up to $78,800 with LNS Bus Service to operate an Easton school bus route from November 30 through June 14, 2027.

Transportation officials reported having 29 full-time and six part-time drivers, representing approximately 32 full-time equivalents, compared with 44 budgeted full-time positions. Several new hires are in process, but the district remains significantly understaffed.

The shortage has disrupted transportation schedules, particularly in St. Michaels, where staggered dismissals have resulted in some students arriving home as late as 5:30 p.m.

The contracted service will cover morning and afternoon routes, including elementary, middle and high school students. Officials said the expense was not originally budgeted but could be accommodated within transportation operations, partly through savings from vacant driver positions.

During public comment, resident Lisa Hayes urged the district to examine driver recruitment, retention, working conditions and incentives, warning that transportation problems affect both students and families.

The board also revisited the district’s new grading policy, which has generated concerns among teachers and board members since its implementation this school year.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Helga Einhorn reported that elementary English language arts competencies have been reduced from 14 to nine following complaints about the time required to assess and record student progress. Some assessments have also been eliminated to reduce teachers’ workload.

Board members remained divided over whether the revised four-point grading system accurately measures academic achievement. Some questioned whether students could receive passing grades without completing sufficient work, while others argued that the changes encourage greater consistency and a stronger focus on learning standards.

Board President Emily Jackson noted that students she had spoken with reported having to work harder to earn top grades.

“I think that the policy is having the intended effect,” Jackson said.

Administrators said additional feedback will be collected, technical problems with PowerSchool are being addressed, and comparisons with last year’s grades will be presented to the board.

Financial concerns provided a third major discussion point.

An independent audit by UHY LLC gave Talbot County Public Schools an unmodified opinion with no audit findings, indicating that its financial statements met applicable reporting standards.

The audit nevertheless showed approximately $114 million in governmental fund revenues against nearly $117 million in expenditures during fiscal year 2026, resulting in a fund balance decline of roughly $2.8 million.

The district ended the year with approximately $9.1 million in total governmental fund balance, including $3.7 million in unassigned reserves.

Chief Financial Officer Sarah Jones explained that the district had intentionally used reserves to support operating expenses. Approximately $2.7 million in reserves is also designated to help support the current fiscal year budget.

Board members questioned how much longer the district could rely on reserves without weakening its financial flexibility, particularly as future budgets face continuing personnel and operating costs.

No additional action was taken on grading or financial reserves. Both issues are expected to remain under review as the board evaluates student performance and prepares for future budget decisions.

Talbot School Board Highlights: Bus Shortage, Grading Changes and Declining Reserves

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