Mar. 2, 2026, many students, legislators, and teachers attended the fifth annual Strong Schools Maryland Rally. This rally took place on Blueprint Day, right outside of the Annapolis State House. Everyone there rallied demanding for the continuation of a fully funded public education system.

Strong Schools Maryland is a statewide education advocacy organization that works to ensure Maryland fully implements and funds the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. They work with students, parents, educators, and community leaders across the state to make sure public schools have the resources and policies needed so every student can succeed.

Their work then focuses on holding the state accountable for the promises made in the Blueprint and making sure those investments actually reach classrooms and communities.

From 5:00-8:00 P.M., individuals gathered to highlight the greatness in public education across the state of Maryland, and lobby for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Education, to become a fully funded mandate.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Education is a large piece of legislation that puts in place policies and regulations for all MD public schools. Some of these policies were each high school having a college and career coach, expanding dual enrollment courses. 

Alongside those policies that targeted students the Blueprint for Maryland’s Education also held regulations for teachers and staff members. Those regulations included salaries, school safety procedures, school infrastructure rules, etc.

Riya Gupta, the executive director of Strong Schools Maryland shared how vital Maryland’s Blueprint is for public education, “It invests in several key areas that research shows make the biggest difference for student success including expanding early childhood education, improving teacher pay and training, increasing support for students who need additional support, and strengthening college and career readiness pathways” Gupta said.

While the Blueprint for Maryland’s Education has improved the quality of public schools across the state, and is currently funded at the moment, however Gupta shared, “…the challenge is that the cost of the plan will grow over the next several years as more phases begin, and current dedicated revenue may not keep pace with those costs.”

Furthermore, due to the budget deficit, the state has to make decisions to maintain an economically stable state, Gupta said, “Often, the investments most at risk during budget discussions are those directed toward students with the greatest needs, such as multilingual learners and students from low-income families,” she said, “without sustained revenue, the full promise of the Blueprint may never fully materialize for Maryland students.”

Gupta shared how revenue must keep up with the costs, otherwise, policymakers will scale back on education to balance the budget in all areas, “… because the Blueprint was designed as a comprehensive strategy where different components work together, weakening one part impacts the entire system,” Gupta said.

Through Strong Schools Maryland, Gupta has created the platform to advocate and speak with legislators about why the Blueprint should continue to be fully funded. “Fully funding the Blueprint means schools will have the resources to hire and retain high-quality teachers, provide more individualized support for students, and expand programs that prepare students for careers, college, and life after graduation,” Gupta said, “Over time, these investments are designed to close long-standing opportunity gaps and ensure that students across Maryland have the same access to strong educational opportunities.

Furthermore, with the lack of funding to carry out all the mandatory mandates, school counties have fallen into financial hardships, and budget troubles. Gupta, said, “The Blueprint is Maryland’s long-term plan, policies, and funding structure will transform the state’s public education system so that every student, regardless of zip code, has access to a world-class education,” 

During the rally, selected students had the chance to share their insights about why the Blueprint for Maryland’s Education should be funded. 

Vibha Nanduri, a junior from Bel Air High School in Harford County shared, “I want lawmakers to understand that the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future must remain a top priority for Maryland.” In Nanduri’s speech given at the rally, she made sure that the central message for the Blueprint Day Rally was to make sure education remains a focus in Maryland regardless of the state’s financial situation. “While the state is currently facing a significant budget deficit affecting education funding,” she said, “that should not come at the expense of our students’ futures.”

While many individuals across the country believe that events like these don’t benefit the situation, or help make positive change, however, Nanduri begs differently. She expressed how coming together for these events can bring a change in legislation, “The speeches and performances add a powerful emotional dimension, helping policymakers and the public better understand how decisions about funding directly affect students and communities.” Nanduri said.

Nanduri, as well as many other students across the state of Maryland, have been personally impacted by the Blueprint negatively, “When I spoke about the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, I shared the story of one of my teachers who had a significant influence on both my life and the lives of many students in our school community…Unfortunately, he was let go due to budget cuts.” Nanduri said. 

During her speech at the rally, she made a point to share that by personalizing the issue, legislators could better understand the human impact behind these funding challenges.

Furthermore, Nanduri continues to advocate for public education funding through the Blueprint in order to make sure public education remains equitable, and reliable for all students.