STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS IN MARYLAND

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement following the designation of five Maryland schools under National Blue Ribbon status:

“Today, five more Maryland schools received one of the nation’s most prestigious designations as National Blue Ribbon schools. In the last four years, a total of 23 schools have been granted this national status, reaffirming Maryland’s position as home to the nation’s number one public school system. It is a great tribute to the students, teachers, and parents who, in response to the increased investments made by all Marylanders, continue to achieve at unprecedented levels.”

Today, Eastern Technology in Baltimore County, Ellicott Mills Middle School in Howard County, Northern Middle School in Calvert County, New Market Elementary School in Frederick County and Northwestern Elementary School in Wicomico County received National Blue Ribbon status. Last month, Maryland became one of ten winners in President Obama’s “Race to the Top” competition, bringing $250 million in federal investments to Maryland public schools.

In the last four years, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has increased public school investment by $1.2 billion, fighting for a record $5.7 billion in FY11 alone. As a result, Education Week Magazine named Maryland’s public schools the best in the nation for the second straight year. Maryland’s elementary and middle school students achieved their highest MSA scores since testing began. Maryland’s high schools were ranked first in the nation by the College Board for the second year in a row for achieving the highest scores in nation on AP exams as well as having the highest AP participation rate in the country. In addition, Maryland’s Pre-K program is ranked among the best in the nation by the National Institute for Early Education Research.