Opinion: Accountability Before More School Billions
February 14, 2026
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immexpo-marseille.com – Public money deserves public proof of impact. That is the core opinion driving a growing debate over how much funding governors and legislators should pour into public schools without demanding stronger results. When state leaders pledge billions for education, citizens have a right to expect more than soothing promises and glossy campaign slogans.
In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore faces that exact challenge. His administration inherited a sweeping education overhaul with a huge price tag, promoted as a cure for unequal outcomes and stagnant test scores. Yet, in my opinion, pouring new cash into an old system without clear accountability risks turning a bold reform into just another payout to adults rather than a lifeline for students.
Opinion on Funding: Investment or Blank Check?
When we talk about school funding, the conversation tends to polarize fast. One side insists that every problem in education comes from not spending enough. The other side argues we already spend plenty, just not wisely. My opinion sits between those extremes: money matters a lot, but only if tied to measurable progress, transparent reporting, and consequences when schools fail students year after year.
Imagine any other public investment on this scale. If a state devoted billions to transportation, residents would demand fewer potholes, shorter commute times, and clear project tracking. Investors would not accept a vague promise that “roads will probably improve.” Education should not be different. We must ask: What exactly are we buying with these billions, and how will we know children benefit?
In Maryland, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future sets ambitious goals, from expanding pre-K to raising teacher pay. On paper, those aims sound inspiring. Yet, in my opinion, the danger lies in treating the plan as sacred rather than experimental. If test scores, graduation rates, and literacy do not improve, or even decline, state leaders should not be locked into a spending formula that rewards failure instead of learning.
Opinion on Accountability: Results Must Be Non‑Negotiable
Accountability often gets framed as an attack on educators, but that framing misses the point. The real target should be a system that protects adults from scrutiny while children fall behind. My opinion is that genuine accountability starts with clear goals. For example, every district should have specific targets for reading proficiency, math growth, attendance, and post‑graduation outcomes, all tracked publicly.
Governor Moore has positioned himself as a leader committed to equity and opportunity. To honor that promise, he must insist the education system shows real outcomes, not just improved budgets. That means demanding timely data on student learning, not only statewide averages but also breakdowns by school, neighborhood, income, and race. Without that detail, families cannot see whether promised reforms truly reach those who need them most.
My opinion also extends to how success is rewarded. Schools that consistently help students grow should gain more flexibility and recognition. Those that chronically underperform should not simply receive more funds with no change in strategy or leadership. Resources must follow effectiveness. Otherwise, government sends the message that effort and impact are irrelevant, as long as the checks keep clearing.
Opinion on the Governor’s Role: Courage Over Convenience
Ultimately, this debate is about political courage. In my opinion, Governor Moore has a rare chance to reset expectations: no more blank checks for public schools without proof of learning. That does not mean slashing budgets or vilifying teachers. It means pairing fair pay with rigorous evaluation, pairing big promises with transparent scorecards, pairing equity rhetoric with hard evidence that children can read, write, and reason at high levels. If he chooses courage over convenience, Moore can help build a culture where every new dollar is treated as an investment students must actually feel in their futures.
