MD HB504

Modifies the Blueprint for Maryland's Future education funding formulas by adjusting target per pupil foundation amounts through fiscal year 2037, delaying collaborative time funding implementation from FY2026 to FY2030, and converting percentage-based funding calculations for compensatory education, English learner, and special education programs to fixed dollar amounts

Authorizes county governing bodies to exceed charter-imposed property tax rate limits solely to fund approved county board education budgets, including teacher pension payments, with requirements to report to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31

Establishes the Academic Excellence Program and Fund within the State Department of Education to provide instructional coaching and professional development to low-performing schools, initially focusing on early literacy instruction with expansion to foundational mathematics in subsequent years

Creates the Maryland Teacher Relocation Incentive Grant offering up to $2,000 to out-of-state licensed teachers who relocate to teach in high-poverty schools, and authorizes a national teacher recruitment campaign through July 2029 to address teacher workforce shortages

Reforms the Concentration of Poverty School Grant Program by allowing county boards with at least 10 eligible schools (or where 35% of schools are eligible) to spend up to 50% of grant funds centrally on behalf of schools, and delays per pupil grant phase-in increases for FY2027-2028 while requiring a statewide program evaluation by December 2028