ABOUT ESMEC
ESMEC was formed in 1986 to "...raise the educational level for all people on the Eastern Shore of Maryland..."
The nine school superintendents of school systems on the Eastern Shore serve as the Board of Directors.
ESMEC serves a large geographic area. Bordered by the states of Pennsylvania (north); Virginia (south); Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay (west); and the state of Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean (east). The Eastern Shore of Maryland comprises over 3,800 square miles with a distance of 170 miles north to south.
MEMBER SCHOOL BOARDS
SUPERINTENDENTS
ESMEC STAFF
Kelly L. Griffith, Ed.D.
Executive Director
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410-822-5800 ext. 2560
410-924-8045 (mobile)
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Dr. Griffith has served as ESMEC Executive Director since 2022. Previously, she served as Superintendent of Schools for Talbot County, MD. She has more than 40 years of public school education and leadership experience.
MEMBER SERVICES
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
ESMEC provides general administrative services in support of cooperative programs and activities as approved by the ESMEC Board of Directors (Eastern Shore School Systems).
The executive director facilitates regular committee meetings of school system representatives in the areas of finance, food service, transportation, personnel and school facilities.
Monthly meetings of Shore superintendents are planned and coordinated through ESMEC, providing information and updates to the Board of Directors and the Eastern Shore Superintendents' Association.
GRANT MANAGEMENT
ESMEC applies for and administers grants awarded by funding authorities that benefit the nine Eastern Shore school districts and the students they serve. Development activities include establishing private/public partnerships, including support from non-profit foundations and the Maryland State Department of Education.
LEGISLATIVE EVENTS & ADVOCACY
Annually, superintendents and/or school board members meet with the Eastern Shore Legislative Delegation at events planned and organized by the Consortium.
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Additionally, ESMEC tracks key legislative issues and advocates on behalf of our members.
EDUCATING DECISION MAKERS
Economic Impact Reports: In 2011, ESMEC commissioned an economic study to determine the fiscal impact of public school systems on the Eastern Shore. The results of the original study and periodic updates continue to be shared with elected officials, business leaders, and parents to show the significant economic impact of public schools on the Eastern Shore.
Newsletters: On a quarterly basis, ESMEC publishes a newsletter to inform decision makers about the challenges and innovative approaches being used by the public school systems of the Shore to prepare our youth for college and career.
ENABLING COST SAVINGS
Energy Trust: Established in 2001, the ESMEC Energy Trust acts as a broker in the energy marketplace purchasing electricity. In addition, the Trust works with local school systems to reduce overall energy usage.
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Health Insurance Alliance: ESMEC offers a health insurance program that allows school systems to work together to create a larger insurance pool to reduce overall costs.
Consortium Purchasing: Using a regional approach, school system purchasing agents are able to "piggyback" on bids to reduce costs through joint purchasing agreements.
SUMMER EDUCATION CONFERENCE
The summer conference is organized by ESMEC. Attendees include superintendents and the school board members from the member school systems.