Teachers say they were pushed to be more flexible, patient and creative than they had before — experimenting on new technology, redesigning lesson plans and trying to connect with students who only appeared on a computer screen.

State laws dating back to the 1860s are making the hunt for Maryland’s next state school superintendent more difficult because the state school board can’t appoint the next leader to the normal four-year term.

Determined to return to normalcy, school leaders throughout Maryland are planning to open five days a week, 180 days a year. And while they will offer an online alternative for some students, they see it as an option for a small minority who have proved they do better online or have medical reasons for not returning.

The Queen Anne’s County school board voted unanimously Wednesday night to appoint Patricia Saelens, a long time Eastern Shore educator, to be the next superintendent.

The Baltimore school system is now one of the largest COVID testing sources in the city, and has become a model for districts around the country.

Baltimore City CEO Sonja Santelises is proposing a small increase in her school system operating budget for next year, but an infusion of some $700 million in federal funds over the next four years will help defray pandemic related costs.

The Maryland State Board of Education wants all schools to reopen for in-person instruction five days a week this fall, according to a resolution approved Tuesday.

Failing grades have doubled — and sometimes tripled — in school systems across the state, as the prolonged effects of learning from home take their toll on student achievement and well-being.

Social studies teacher Sidney Thomas learned of her award in a surprise announcement made by school system CEO Sonja Santelises. She has taught seventh and eight grade social studies and English, and earned the designation of model teacher.