Elfreth Gathers Education Roundtable with Local Leaders

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Yesterday, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) hosted a roundtable discussion with educational partners and leaders in Maryland's Third District at the Maryland State Education Association. Since coming to Congress, Elfreth has hosted 11 roundtables with local stakeholders, including a veterans roundtable, an environmental roundtable, a childcare roundtable, a labor roundtable, an interfaith roundtable, and more.

"As a proud graduate of public schools and former professor, I will always fight on behalf of our students and educators. Hearing directly from our local leaders allows me the opportunity to take their challenges, ideas, and feedback back to Washington. From expanding mental health support for our students to addressing the impact of technology in our classrooms, I'm committed to working together to ensure our school communities have the resources, support, and accountability that they deserve," said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth.

At the roundtable, Elfreth delivered an update from Congress that focused on her work to support educational opportunities for military families and their teachers. Through this year's NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act), Elfreth secured $70 million for Impact Aid, which supports public school districts that educate large numbers of military families. Schools can use these funds on teacher and aide salaries, textbooks and educational technology, remedial tutoring and after-school programs, and special education resources. She also secured a provision allowing Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) and Child Development Center (CDC) employees access to the installation commissaries, which helps lower their costs.

Elfreth was joined by various education leaders, including Carroll County Education Association, the Community Action Council of Howard County, Anne Arundel Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families, Riverhawk Educators United, Howard Community College, the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA), the Community Action Council of Howard County, the Howard County Education Association, West Meade Early Education Center, the Howard County Board of Education, the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County, and Alpha Achievers.

"Access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education is essential to children's success and family economic stability, yet many families continue to face significant challenges, including the rising cost of care, workforce shortages, and limited access to childcare assistance," said Tracy Broccolino, President of the Community Action Council of Howard County. "Today's discussion provided an opportunity to share the realities facing families and providers and to identify ways federal policymakers can better support early childhood education. We appreciate Congresswoman Elfreth's commitment to listening, learning, and elevating these concerns with her colleagues in Congress as we work together to create greater opportunity for children and families."

"We're always willing to work with Congresswoman Elfreth, and are incredibly appreciative of the opportunities she provides for listen and learn sessions about the issues happening in her district," said Benjamin Schmitt, Howard County Education Association President.

"Riverhawk Educators United is honored to have been included in this conversation. As a new union, we are grateful for the opportunity to speak directly with Congresswoman Elfreth about the needs of our members and our students," said Abigail Brackins, President of Riverhawk Educators United.

Elfreth remains a steadfast supporter of public education in Washington, co-sponsoring the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act and the Department of Education Protection Act. In 2025, Elfreth met with Secretary Linda McMahon to advocate for the continuation of critical Department services for students with disabilities, early childhood education programs, and civil rights protections for our most vulnerable children.

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