Relay Elementary Educator Named BCPS Teacher of the Year


Beverly Folkoff, a special education teacher of children in Grades 3-5 at Relay Elementary School in Halethorpe, was named the 2023-24 Teacher of the Year for Baltimore County Public Schools during a gala celebration not only of the county’s more than 9,000 classroom educators but also of its school administrators, staff, and community supporters.

Also honored during the event at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson were the 2023-24 BCPS Principal of the Year, Brian Powell of Kenwood High School, and 2023-24 Assistant Principal of the Year, Nicole Bridges of Towson High School.

The annual honors were the final highlights of the school system’s first “Champions for Children” celebration, which also saw recognitions for the school system’s “Rising Star” Teacher of the Year, Transportation Champion, Business Partner Champion, and other superlative school employees and supporters.

“Baltimore County Public Schools is blessed to have so many exemplary educators like Beverly Folkoff serving our children, but we are also fortunate to have strong leadership by our school administrators like Brian Powell and Nicole Bridges and throughout our organization, all dedicated to providing the very best educational experiences and opportunities for each child in our schools,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams.

“Congratulations to all those who we recognized and celebrated today at our Champions for Children gala. We cannot thank them enough for the talent and dedication they bring every day to the mission of serving our
students.”

Folkoff, the BCPS Elementary School Teacher of the Year, was among three finalists from across the county who were honored by Dr. Williams, Board of Education of Baltimore County Chair Jane Lichter, and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski.

Also congratulated were finalists Talven Pearsell, a mathematics teacher at Sudbrook Magnet Middle School and Baltimore County’s Middle School Teacher of the Year, and Abigail Karey, a special education
teacher at Maiden Choice School in Catonsville and the BCPS High School Teacher of the Year.

A teacher for 16 years, half of them at Relay Elementary, Folkoff teaches students in the Functional Academic Learning Support program, or FALS, at Relay. A graduate of Towson University (B.S. degree in early childhood special education) and the University of Virginia (master’s degree in curriculum and instruction), Folkoff “wanted anything but to become an educator” until a high school internship in a self-contained kindergarten classroom convinced her of her lifelong calling. “I fell in love,” she says, “with the students, with the challenges, the creativity the job required, the collaboration, problem-solving. . . . I wanted to go to work as excited as I was to go to that internship.”

The BCPS Teacher of the Year was chosen by a committee composed of BCPS administrators, staff, students, TABCO representation, and the 2022-23 BCPS Teacher of the Year, Alicia Amaral Freeman. This year, there were Teacher of the Year nominations from a record 169 of Baltimore County’s 178 schools, centers, and programs.

The 2023-24 BCPS Teacher of the Year program is supported by a generous array of education partners, including The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., First Financial Federal Credit Union, Flowers & Fancies, NTA Life, and the Padonia Park Club.

The BCPS Teacher of the Year will represent the school system and its more than 9,000 professional educators in the Maryland state Teacher of the Year program. Powell and Bridges stood out among strong slates of finalists for school administrator honors. Joining Powell as finalists for Principal of the Year were Andrea Derrien of The Chatsworth School and Kalisha Miller of Pikesville Middle School. Assistant Principal of the Year finalists, in addition to Bridges, were Anthony Schultz of Westowne Elementary School and Jodi Pasquale of General John Stricker Middle School.

Both Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year were chosen after asking BCPS students and their families, staff, and the public for nominations, which were then considered by the staff and leadership of the Education Foundation of Baltimore County, Inc. In all, BCPS received 1,043 nominations for Principal of the Year and 791 for Assistant Principal of the Year. BCPS also celebrated seven new “Champions for Children” at the event who were selected by BCPS administrators and staff, employee union representatives, and other members of the BCPS community. Also honored at Wednesday’s gala were:

• Rising Star Teacher of the Year – Lauren Deardorff, English language arts teacher, Chesapeake High School
• Supervisory Leader of the Year – Denise Saulsbury, supervisor, Academic Programs and Options
• Supporting Services Employee of the Year – Joanna Crandall-Sick, paraeducator, Relay Elementary School
• Transportation Champion – Engr Johnson, dispatcher
• AFSCME Employee of the Year – Vance Scovens, building operations supervisor, Hillcrest Elementary School
• Volunteer Champion – Ramona Basilio, PTA Council of Baltimore County, Deer Park Magnet Middle School
• Business Partner Champion – Scott Dorsey, Chair and CEO, Merritt Construction Service

Olszewski Submits FY24 County Budget


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski submitted a $4.9 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024 that provides historic funding for public education, creates near-universal community college for county residents, and provides record investment in government employees — among other key priorities that will move Baltimore County forward.

“This budget strengthens our new standards of excellence—investing in our people, our communities and our shared future—and will continue to push Baltimore County toward its highest potential,” Olszewski said. “Together we will continue to build on the historic progress we have already made, address longstanding disparities in our communities, and raise the bar even higher in the years ahead.”

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

In today’s address to the County Council, Olszewski highlighted record investments in education and support for key priorities that will move Baltimore County forward. The total proposed Operating Budget is $4.9 billion.

Below are highlights of the FY24 budget that County Executive Olszewski submitted to the Baltimore County Council.

Investing in K-12 Education

Provides a $71 million increase above the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) for Baltimore County Public Schools — the single largest increase in County history.
Provides nearly $210 million in capital funding for school construction projects, including millions to support new or like-new buildings for Lansdowne High School, Towson High School, and Dulaney High School.
Provides full funding for step increases and a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for BCPS staff.
Investing in Higher Education

Expands the Community College of Baltimore County’s (CCBC) College Promise Program to provide near-universal, free community college to any Baltimore County household making less than $150,000 a year for residents seeking a full-time degree, part-time degree, or workforce certification program.
Freezes in-County tuition at CCBC for all residents for sixth year in a row.
Investing in County Employees

Provides a 4 percent Cost-Of-Living Adjustment or equivalent increase — the highest year-over-year increase in County employee pay in at least 3 decades — in addition to full funding of steps and increments for employees.
Creates a $500,000 student loan relief fund for employees.
Contributes $119 million to OPEB — a nearly 25 percent year-over-year increase — to the fund that provides health and life insurance benefits for retired County employees.
Retains a 20 percent fund balance-critical for maintaining the County’s bond ratings.
Investing in Safer Communities

Provides historic pay increases for our law enforcement professionals, including our police officers, 911 personnel, correctional officers, and sheriff’s deputies.
Provides over $9 million towards a new Catonsville Fire Station and $9 million towards a new Sparrows Point Fire Station and training facility.
Provides more than $4 million towards the planning and design of a new Essex Police Precinct.
Investing in our Infrastructure

Provides $30 million towards major Baltimore County Public Library projects at the Essex, Lansdowne, Randallstown and Woodlawn branches.
Allocates nearly $40 million dollars to continue road resurfacing projects and sidewalk improvements across Baltimore County.
Provides another $5 million in County funding — matching $5 million in new State funding — to support continued redevelopment at Security Square Mall.
Provides another $3 million — matching $3 million in new State funding — to support the revitalization of the Pikesville Armory.
Provides millions for senior center projects across Baltimore County, including funding to finish the expansion and renovation at the Woodlawn Senior Center and towards the new Jacksonville Senior Center and North County Senior Centers.
Investing in Vibrant, Livable Neighborhoods

Permanently eliminates the fees for CountyRide transportation service
Funding to bolster Baltimore County’s immigrant affairs outreach.
Funding to support a Working Group on Resource Coordination to Support Victims of Sexual Exploitation, Violence, and Domestic Abuse.
Investing in Sustainable Communities

Provides more than $63 million in funding for parks and open space, including:
$5 million to renovate, replace, and construct modern athletic fields across Baltimore County, including funding for Baltimore County’s first-ever cricket field at Cloverland Park.
$2 million for Cromwell Valley Park
$2 million for the County’s first water splash pad at Northwest Regional Park
$1.7 million for the Marshy Point Nature Center
$1.5 million for Rosedale Park
$1.5 million to re-envision the former Pahl’s Farm property
$1.2 million to plan the future development of sites like Fort Howard Park and Gerst Road Park.
The County Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed FY24 budget on May 25, 2023.

Man Dies in Milford Mill Accident


Officers with the Baltimore County Police Department responded to the area of Liberty Road and Courtleigh Drive in Milford Mill for a motor vehicle collision on Sunday, April 9 at approximately 10:40 p.m.

Investigators with the Baltimore County Police Crash Team determined a 1999 Toyota Camry was traveling westbound on Liberty Road when it crossed over the center two-way turning lane and into the eastbound lane striking a 2015 Chrysler 200.

The driver of the Toyota, 70-year-old Moyo Fagbayi, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Chrysler was not injured.

The Baltimore County Crash Team continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this crash

Man Dies in Towson Crash on Charles Street


Baltimore County Police Officers responded to a crash in the 6500 block of Charles Street in Towson on March 8, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, investigators with the Baltimore County Police Crash Team determined the crash occurred after a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder traveling northbound struck the center median and two trees.

The driver of the Nissan Pathfinder, 73-year-old Ty Ararso, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This crash remains under investigation by the Baltimore County Police Department Crash Team.

Man Dies in White Marsh & Pulaski Crash


Baltimore County police officers responded to a fatal crash at Pulaski Highway and White Marsh Boulevard intersection in White Marsh on Friday, Feb. 24 just before midnight.

Upon arrival, investigators with the Baltimore County Police Crash Team determined the crash occurred when a 2013 Infiniti G37x was traveling eastbound while a 2008 Hyundai Tucson was traveling westbound on Pulaski Highway approaching White Marsh Boulevard.

The Hyundai attempted to turn left onto White Marsh Boulevard when the Infiniti struck it. The driver and passenger of the Infiniti were transported to an area hospital. The driver of the Hyundai Tucson, 32-year-old Rahmel Summerlin, was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the passenger was transported to an area hospital.

This crash remains under investigation by the Baltimore County Police Department Crash Team.

Homicide of Artis Holt Remains Unsolved


The Baltimore County Police Department continues to seek information in the homicide of 27-year-old Artis Holt. On February 21, 2019, Holt was fatally shot after leaving a restaurant in the 8000 block of Liberty Road. The homicide of Artis Holt remains unsolved.

Holt attended Mount Saint Joseph High School and Merrimack College in Massachusetts. Holt played cornerback for the Merrimack Warriors from 2009 to 2013, according to his team.

Family members describe Holt as a loving and loyal son, father and friend. Anyone with information regarding the homicide of Artis Holt is asked to contact Baltimore County homicide detectives by calling 410-307-2020 or 410-887-3943. Callers may also contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-756-2587.

BCPS Students Named to All-County Honors Dance Ensemble


Thirty-two high school students and 30 middle school students have been selected to
participate in the Baltimore County Public Schools 2022-2023 All-County Honors Dance Ensemble.

The ensemble will rehearse weekly at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
throughout the winter and spring. The culminating event for the ensemble will be a gala concert
performance on Monday, June 12, at 7 p.m. at Carver Center.

“A total of 100 students – 50 high school students and 50 middle school students – were nominated by
their teachers to audition for the honors ensemble,” said Darryl Pilate, BCPS dance and theatre resource
teacher. “The adjudicators were impressed by all of the students’ technical and professional skills. The
students accepted for the All-County Honors Dance Ensemble demonstrated not only their technical
ability but also the ability to think ‘on their feet’ and be expressive through the art form while applying
feedback.”

The members of the 2022-2023 All-County Honors Dance Ensemble are:

HIGH SCHOOL MEMBERS
Franklin High School
Trinity Hicks

George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
Olivia Anderson; Camila Abrego Argueta; Isabel Armstrong; Annelese Atkinson; Simone Brown; Dante
Campbell; Melody Cole; Jada Daniels; Jaia Dinkins; Jadin Holiday; Sharon Kasibante; Ja’Zara Lane; Devin
Nichelson; Shoshana Paley; Madisyn Rice- Evans; Makenzie Smith; Jase Woolcock

Lansdowne High School
Sa’Ni Betts; Giulia Mendes

Milford Mill Academy
Toimar Allen; Melaya Barker; Jahnai James; Zyaire McMillan; Kyla Randall

Owings Mills High School
Shayla Johnson

Parkville High School
Lyndsey Hoxter; Ariel Parker
Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts
Zarrah Allen; Madison Cosden; Aashyah de Vries; Armani Woods

MIDDLE SCHOOL MEMBERS
Deep Creek Middle School
Malia Terry

Deer Park Magnet Middle School
Morgan Clinton; Kendall Davison; Nyiemah Gibbs

Franklin Middle School
Madison Beyer; Elon Bryant; La’Nae Coldin; Bailey Ferrel; Masio Pearson; Jada Sellers

Loch Raven Technical Academy
Joshua Nichols

Middle River Middle School
Madison Cooper; Arianna Hunt; Makayla Ortiz

Pikesville Middle School
London Bailey; Maya Chase; Sophee Fields; Larae Jones; Cydney Polk; Kayden Sorrell

Southwest Academy
Kaleb Jenson; Makyli Williams

Sudbrook Magnet Middle School
Solae Beaman; Shabraya Dennis; Claire Jabaji; Timara Keyes; Ibunkun Ojemuyiwa; Nylah Queen; Jaelyn
Sabb

Olszewski Creates Street Tree Replacement Program


–photo courtesy of Baltimore County Government-

County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the new Street Tree Replacement program, continuing his administration’s ongoing efforts to restore critical green infrastructure throughout Baltimore County.

The County Executive, local community members and business owners kicked off the initiative — which will see more than 1,300 trees planted in six concentrated areas — by planting a native hackberry tree in downtown Towson.

“Baltimore County is fully committed to making our communities greener, cleaner, and more sustainable – and we are all in on trees as an important part of that commitment,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski.

“This new Street Tree Replacement Program will help bring back the tree-lined neighborhoods and business corridors that make our County a beautiful and healthy place to live and work.”

Baltimore County’s Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (DEPS) will begin the $625,000 County-funded project by planting 72 street trees in Towson and 31 trees along Dolfield Road in Owings Mills this winter.

Beginning in May, crews will plant approximately 250 trees each in Dundalk, Owings Mills/Randallstown, Parkville, Pikesville and the Security Square area of Woodlawn.

DEPS will reach out to community leaders and adjacent property owners before each planting operation.

“We are excited about County Executive Olszewski’s commitment to add street trees in downtown Towson,” said Baltimore County Councilman Mike Ertel.

“Over the years, we have had many trees that have been lost to aging, disease, construction, vandalism and even car accidents.

The reality is that trees are an important part of a complete streetscape and create a more congenial, walkable and safer atmosphere.”

Trees are critical infrastructure supporting health and well-being by improving air quality, lowering summer temperatures and absorbing greenhouse gasses and stormwater. They are proven to reduce cooling costs and enhance property values.

Last year, Olszewski launched Operation ReTree Baltimore County, a hyper-local tree equity program designed to expand the tree canopy in the urban communities most in need of greening. Through this program, more than 1,000 trees have been planted in Dundalk, Essex Owings Mills, Randallstown and Lansdowne.

Between Operation ReTree Baltimore County and the new Street Tree Replacement Program, the County will plant more street trees in one year than the past eight years combined.

This year, DEPS created two new Forestry Management divisions focused on urban forestry and tree maintenance.

Since 2000, Baltimore County has reforested more than 1,000 rural acres in support of the County’s requirements under the Forest Conservation Act, tree canopy goals and municipal stormwater permit. For the past two decades, Baltimore County has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the US Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

Baltimore County’s goal is to achieve and maintain a 50 percent tree canopy Countywide and within the three drinking water reservoirs by the year 2025.

Additionally, the County is striving to achieve and maintain 40 percent tree coverage within the more populated areas inside the Urban Rural Demarcation Line (URDL) and for each of the Census Designated Places (CDPs).

County to Give $2.67 Million Local Organizations for Relief


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced that Baltimore County and the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) have awarded more than $2.67 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA)-funded grants to nearly 30 local community-based organizations to support their recovery and enhance efforts to strengthen neighborhood resiliency.

“Baltimore County remains committed to helping our residents recover from the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am very happy to provide these grants to local organizations that continue to advocate for and work on behalf of their communities,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski.

“We are grateful to our federal partners for providing much-needed recovery funding, allowing Baltimore County to make these awards to nonprofits dedicated to providing critical services on behalf of our residents for years to come.”

Announced in June 2022, the Baltimore County COVID-19 Nonprofit Recovery Grant Fund offered grants starting at $25,000 to Baltimore County community-based organizations to support residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants, initially capped at $1.3 million and expanded to more than $2.6 million, were made possible through the County’s allocation of ARPA funding. Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) will administer the grants on behalf of Baltimore County.

Funds will to support a diverse range of community efforts, such as behavioral healthcare, conflict resolution services, food access, senior engagement, bilingual outreach emergency shelter and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and much more.

Additionally, funds will help cover revenue reductions or operating expense increases that have occurred due to the pandemic.

“This marks our third time partnering with Baltimore County on COVID relief and recovery and the process has really become seamless,” says Shanaysha Sauls, BCF President & CEO.

“The County Executive’s team is very thoughtful about how to meet the needs of the community and we are proud to put our expertise to use stewarding these critical funds to impactful organizations addressing the mental health crisis, supporting the vulnerable immigrants and refugees and ultimately building a stronger, safer, more resilient region.”

“Our local non-profit community serves critical functions for a surprising number of Baltimore County residents. That’s why we built flexibility into the federal investments we made through the American Rescue Plan, so that local governments could better partner with groups in their communities,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin.

“Team Maryland will continue finding ways to deepen investments in essential community services and to strengthen the non-profit partnerships on which so many Marylanders depend.”

“For many of our communities, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated hardships that already existed,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“That’s why we passed the American Rescue Plan to provide direct resources to help our communities come back even stronger than before COVID-19. I’m pleased to see County Executive Olszewski using these funds to boost many local nonprofits’ efforts – whether they are getting food and clothes to families in need, facilitating access to mental health services, or connecting people to good jobs. This is the American Rescue Plan at work strengthening Baltimore County.”

A full list of the Baltimore County Emergency Response Fund awardees announced today is below:

Afrithrive, Inc.
Assistance Center of Towson Churches
Associated Catholic Charities, Inc.
Associated Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore
Asylee Women Enterprise, Inc.
Baltimore Association of Nepalese in America
CASA, Inc.
Center for Adoption Support and Education, Inc. (C.A.S.E.)
Civic Works, Inc.
Community Assistance Network (CAN)
Conflict Resolution Center of Baltimore County
Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.
Episcopal Church of Christ the King/RISE
Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library
House of Ruth Maryland, Inc.
Improving Education
Jewish Community Services, Inc.
Life Builders Church
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Mental Health Association of Maryland
NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore
Northwest Hospital Center
Outcast Food Network
Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
Student Support Network
The Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County, Inc.
TurnAround, Inc.
World Relief Corporation of National Association of Evangelicals

“The American Rescue Plan is game-changing legislation. Nearly two years after it was signed into law, we are still seeing its positive impacts on the lives of everyday people,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.

“This bold, congressional action helped our nation avoid another Great Recession, or perhaps even Great Depression, by investing in real communities that needed help then and now. I look forward to seeing the results the selected organizations will produce with this federal support,” he concluded.

“The organizations that are receiving grants today have been on the frontlines throughout the pandemic and during our recovery, providing essential services in so many areas including healthcare, education, food assistance and even legal aid,” Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger said.

“I supported the American Rescue Plan Act, in part, so that we can empower our community nonprofits to do what they do best – serving people – and I have no doubt we will see an exponential return on this investment.”

The COVID-19 Nonprofit Recovery Fund is the latest in a series of partnerships between Baltimore County and BCF. In March 2020, the County and BCF launched the Baltimore County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, which provided 50 local community-based organizations grants totaling $400,000 to enhance the County’s response to the COVID-19 crisis last summer.

In June 2021, the County and BCF established a fund to support the Baltimore County Summer Youth Jobs Program, providing skills training, coaching and paid work experience at public and private sector organizations for 300 Baltimore County youth.