Maryland State Wire

Mark Fisher, a delegate for District 27C in the Maryland House of Delegates, said the Maryland State Education Association opposes school choice and continues to trap children, particularly Black students, in failing schools. He made the remarks on X.

"The Maryland State Education Association (Teachers Union) opposes school choice — even when no kids test proficient in reading & math," said Fisher. "Thousands of children, primarily black kids are locked into failed schools. Yet, MSEA claim to be for ‘racial social justice'? No organization has done more to damage public education & bankrupt Marylanders than MSEA."

The MSEA has been criticized for opposing initiatives such as vouchers and charter school expansion. Critics argue that the union's position maintains the status quo in underperforming school districts, limiting options for families seeking improved educational outcomes. The MSEA defends its stance by emphasizing the protection of public education funding and advocating for systemic reform from within.

According to the Nation’s Report Card in 2023, data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) indicates that only 13% of eighth-grade students in Baltimore City were proficient in reading, with just 7% proficient in math. These figures are among the lowest nationwide and underscore persistent concerns about education quality in certain Maryland districts.

Education Week’s Quality Counts report evaluates states based on academic achievement, school finance, and overall educational equity. Maryland consistently receives mid-tier scores, reflecting strengths in funding but ongoing challenges related to student outcomes and achievement gaps. These rankings offer a comprehensive perspective on state support for K–12 education.

Fisher has represented Calvert County’s District 27C since 2011 and serves on the Economic Matters Committee. He founded Gray’s Field Foundation to preserve a historic African American baseball field now serving local families. Fisher also has experience in wireless infrastructure and renewable energy development.