Anne Arundel Schools Get $12 Million, Teachers Get No Raises. Relief is coming for thousands of Anne Arundel County teachers in the classroom — but not their paychecks. The County Council has agreed to the $12 million earmarked to the school system. The district said the money was always due, but it took a fight to finally get it. School officials have said reducing class size by increasing the teacher ranks has always been a priority, but some tension remains. “We’ve let the class sizes creep up intentionally in an attempt to be budget conscious, but it’s just time to add positions, and, fortunately, we’ve been able to work with the council and the administration to be able to do that,” district spokesman Bob Mosier said.
Mortgage Settlement Funds Could Benefit Area Homeowners. Maryland is among the states benefiting from a multi-state mortgage settlement that yielded nearly $1 billion from the five banks that played a role in the incident. The state will use the millions to wipe out housing eyesores and even homeowners struggling with foreclosures could see some relief. Baltimore City and Prince George’s County were the two hardest-hit areas in Maryland due to the foreclosure crisis. Both will directly receive money from the settlement.
Edgewater Marine Dies On Memorial Day. A Marine from Harford County has died while serving in Afghanistan, according to a Department of Defense announcement Wednesday. Marine Sgt. Julian C. Chase, 22, of Edgewater, who was serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, died on Memorial Day. Chase was conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
How To Defer Smart Meters. The Maryland Public Service Commission recently issued a temporary order that allows utility customers to defer the installation of smart meters until the commissioners can reach a permanent decision on the matter. On May 22, the commission held a public hearing to allow residents to voice their concerns about the new technology. About three days later, the commission issued its temporary order.
