CUMBERLAND, Md. – Nov. 30, 2025 – Dr. Josh Michael, chair of the Maryland State Board of Education and former Baltimore City math teacher, toured Mount Savage School on Nov. 12, meeting with students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Michael observed classes in the elementary and middle school before visiting the school's community-focused agriculture and aquaculture programs with Allegany County Public Schools leadership, including Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Allegany County Board of Education members Max Green and Linda Widmyer, Mount Savage School Principal Dr. Laura Holland, Chief Academic Officer Kate Loughrie, Director of Elementary and Early Childhood Education Jackie Enright, and Director of Secondary Education Dr. Molly Stewart, and Public Information Officer Kris Kehrwald.

Holland described the school's role as a hub for the community of Mount Savage. Under the direction of science teacher Matt Kline, the school operates agriculture and aquaculture programs that provide fresh vegetables, eggs and honey for sale to local residents while offering hands-on learning opportunities for students. Kline described how the program has enriched students' lives.

An Abundance on Display

Michael, along with local leadership and board members, sampled fresh vegetables, honey and other products from the school's programs. Staff and community members donated Coop's Buns (sweet rolls), zucchini bread and salsa made from school-grown zucchini, and crocheted items. The group observed middle school students packing beeswax collected from their apiary into lip balm tubes, and toured the school's chicken coop, garden beds and tilapia tanks with student volunteers.

A Green Status School

Earlier in 2025, Mount Savage School became the first elementary school in Allegany County to receive a Maryland Green School Award. The award was presented by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, a program that recognizes schools that include environmental education in their curriculum, model best management practices and address community environmental issues.

About Mount Savage School

Located at the base of Big Savage Mountain in the Allegheny Mountain range, the Mount Savage community has a population of 733 (2020 U.S. Census). Mount Savage School serves 632 students in pre-K through grade 8. It is a feeder school for Mountain Ridge High School, one of Allegany County's three public high schools.

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PHOTO CAPTION: From left: Matt Kline, Brylee Stevens, Linda Widmyer, Tatum Lauder, Michael Martirano, Cass DeWitt, Laura Holland, Jayden Shaw, Josh Michael, Taylor Robison, Ella Shockey and Max Green.