Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell Announces Immediate Hiring Freeze for AACPS Central and Satellite Offices

Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell has announced an immediate hiring freeze for the school system’s central and satellite offices, calling the move a “proactive and responsible step” as planning begins for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

The freeze takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice. According to the school system, it will not affect hiring for vacancies within schools and will not halt the filling of positions where the hiring process is already underway.

Dr. Bedell said the decision is intended to contain costs while protecting classroom instruction. He noted that AACPS currently has the second-lowest ratio of non-instructional positions to students in Maryland, but emphasized that administrative operations must be examined first before any consideration of reductions at the school level.

“This approach reflects our commitment to minimizing impacts on classrooms and maintaining strong instructional support for students,” Bedell said.

The announcement follows Dr. Bedell’s presentation of his proposed Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget to the Board of Education on December 17, 2025. During that presentation, he emphasized prioritizing people over program expansion, with more than 49 percent of the requested budget increase directed toward employee compensation and benefits.

The hiring freeze comes as Maryland faces a significant budget shortfall for Fiscal Year 2027, with AACPS expecting a smaller increase in state aid than in the current fiscal year.

Dr. Bedell said limited exceptions to the freeze may be granted if necessary to ensure continuity of district operations.

“I am confident that we can navigate these challenges thoughtfully while continuing the progress we are making as a school system,” he said.