Number of MD students eligible for reduced-price meals spikes

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The number of Maryland students eligible for free or reduced-price meals has risen surprisingly high, causing a $390 million increase on the cost of the state’s sweeping education reform law in the next fiscal year.

That’s according to a recent analysis by the state. Senate President Bill Ferguson told reporters Tuesday that the number of qualifying students went from about 323,000 to 433,000. That happened between fall 2021 to fall 2022. The Blueprint for Maryland’s future is being phased in over a decade, with costs rising in later years.

It focuses on expanding early childhood education, increasing teachers’ salaries, and providing aid to help struggling schools adequately prepare students for college and careers.

PHOTO INFO – Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, D-Baltimore, speaks after he was reelected to the position during the start of the state’s General Assembly’s annual 90-day session, Jan. 11, 2023, in Annapolis, Md. The number of Maryland students eligible for free or reduced-cost meals has risen surprisingly high, causing a $390 million increase on the cost of the state’s sweeping education reform law in the next fiscal year, according to a recent state fiscal briefing. Ferguson told reporters Tuesday, Jan. 31, that the most recent number makes up about 52% of Maryland K-12 students. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

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