Last Call! If you have not already done so, please take a few moments to complete our Family and Community Engagement survey by clicking the link below. We value your feedback! Thank you!
https://forms.gle/ZvVoKvjXaMDkEoyC8
https://forms.gle/ZvVoKvjXaMDkEoyC8
The TCPS and Talbot County Free Library Popsicles in the Park event scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at 5:00 pm, in Idlewild Park has been postponed due to the forecasted rainy weather. We will share a new date when it becomes available! you can still catch us at Muskrat Park in St. Michaels on July 14th at 5:00 p.m.
TCPS ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
June 19, 2026
The Talbot County Board of Education has approved new leadership appointments for the 2026-2027 school year.
Mr. Sterling Elder has been appointed as Assistant Principal at Easton High School. Mr. Elder has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Loyola University Maryland. His prior experience includes 10 years as Chair of the World Languages Department at Randallstown High School in Baltimore County, where he has also taught high school French since 2008.
Mr. Tylar Young has been appointed as Assistant Principal at Easton Elementary School. Mr. Young earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Fort Hays State University, a Master’s in Special Education from Grand Canyon University, and an Educational Leadership Certification from George Washington University. Mr. Young is relocating to the Eastern Shore from Torrington, CT. His career as an educator includes serving as a Special Education Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Assistant Principal.
Administrative transfers were also approved. Mrs. Susie Shafer will transfer from her role as Assistant Principal at St. Michaels Elementary to Assistant Principal at Easton Elementary. Mrs. Nicole Sherrod-Hill, also an Assistant Principal, will transfer from Easton Elementary to St. Michaels Elementary.
“We are excited to welcome two new outstanding leaders to our district,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D. “These additions, along with the thoughtful and strategic transfers, will help to ensure our school leadership teams are positioned to meet the needs of our students.”
The Board approved two additional leadership positions.
Mrs. Katie Fox has been promoted to Community School Supervisor. Mrs. Fox has served as Community School Program Manager at Easton Elementary School since 2022. The first to serve the school district in this role, Mrs. Fox had been a Pre-K Instructional Coach from 2019 – 2022, and a Kindergarten Teacher at Tilghman Elementary from 2008 to 2019. She was the Talbot Teacher of the year for 2017-2018. Mrs. Fox earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from the University of Michigan, and a Master’s in Education, Curriculum and Reading Instruction from Grand Canyon University.
Mrs. Erin Bodle has been appointed as Supervisor of ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) and World Language. Mrs. Bodle has a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature from Denison University, a Master of Arts in French Language and Literature from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Science in World Language Education from the University of Akron. She joined TCPS in 2019 as an ESOL teacher, and has taught at both Easton Elementary and the St. Michaels campus. Her prior experience includes teaching elementary ESOL in Caroline County and high school French in Ohio.
“Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Bodle have both demonstrated their extensive knowledge and skills,” said Helga Einhorn, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership and Student Success. “Their proven commitment to excellence, combined with the vision and leadership they bring to their new roles, will be invaluable for supporting student and staff success.”
June 19, 2026
The Talbot County Board of Education has approved new leadership appointments for the 2026-2027 school year.
Mr. Sterling Elder has been appointed as Assistant Principal at Easton High School. Mr. Elder has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Loyola University Maryland. His prior experience includes 10 years as Chair of the World Languages Department at Randallstown High School in Baltimore County, where he has also taught high school French since 2008.
Mr. Tylar Young has been appointed as Assistant Principal at Easton Elementary School. Mr. Young earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Fort Hays State University, a Master’s in Special Education from Grand Canyon University, and an Educational Leadership Certification from George Washington University. Mr. Young is relocating to the Eastern Shore from Torrington, CT. His career as an educator includes serving as a Special Education Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Assistant Principal.
Administrative transfers were also approved. Mrs. Susie Shafer will transfer from her role as Assistant Principal at St. Michaels Elementary to Assistant Principal at Easton Elementary. Mrs. Nicole Sherrod-Hill, also an Assistant Principal, will transfer from Easton Elementary to St. Michaels Elementary.
“We are excited to welcome two new outstanding leaders to our district,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D. “These additions, along with the thoughtful and strategic transfers, will help to ensure our school leadership teams are positioned to meet the needs of our students.”
The Board approved two additional leadership positions.
Mrs. Katie Fox has been promoted to Community School Supervisor. Mrs. Fox has served as Community School Program Manager at Easton Elementary School since 2022. The first to serve the school district in this role, Mrs. Fox had been a Pre-K Instructional Coach from 2019 – 2022, and a Kindergarten Teacher at Tilghman Elementary from 2008 to 2019. She was the Talbot Teacher of the year for 2017-2018. Mrs. Fox earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from the University of Michigan, and a Master’s in Education, Curriculum and Reading Instruction from Grand Canyon University.
Mrs. Erin Bodle has been appointed as Supervisor of ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) and World Language. Mrs. Bodle has a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature from Denison University, a Master of Arts in French Language and Literature from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Science in World Language Education from the University of Akron. She joined TCPS in 2019 as an ESOL teacher, and has taught at both Easton Elementary and the St. Michaels campus. Her prior experience includes teaching elementary ESOL in Caroline County and high school French in Ohio.
“Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Bodle have both demonstrated their extensive knowledge and skills,” said Helga Einhorn, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership and Student Success. “Their proven commitment to excellence, combined with the vision and leadership they bring to their new roles, will be invaluable for supporting student and staff success.”
Congratulations to Mrs. Amy Hutchison, Administrative Assistant, for receiving the TCPS Education Foundation Support Staff Award!
Mrs. Hutchison is a valued member of the Teaching and Learning Team. An effective listener and communicator, she ensures all needs are met and deadlines and goals are achieved for the many members of the Teaching and Learning team. Throughout the busy March budget timeline, she maintained clear communication and organization while managing a large volume of time-sensitive requests, helping the department remain efficient during a particularly demanding period.
Always willing to help wherever needed, Mrs. Hutchison approaches her responsibilities with a high level of professionalism. Her positive and welcoming attitude, and her ability to support colleagues, anticipate needs, and maintain relationships, contribute greatly to the culture and success of the entire district office.
Mrs. Hutchison is a valued member of the Teaching and Learning Team. An effective listener and communicator, she ensures all needs are met and deadlines and goals are achieved for the many members of the Teaching and Learning team. Throughout the busy March budget timeline, she maintained clear communication and organization while managing a large volume of time-sensitive requests, helping the department remain efficient during a particularly demanding period.
Always willing to help wherever needed, Mrs. Hutchison approaches her responsibilities with a high level of professionalism. Her positive and welcoming attitude, and her ability to support colleagues, anticipate needs, and maintain relationships, contribute greatly to the culture and success of the entire district office.
Talbot County Board of Education Meetings
Work Session - Monday, June 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting - Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m.
All Talbot County Board of Education Meetings are held at the Talbot County Education Center, 12 Magnolia Street, Easton, MD 21601. Open meetings are held in Conference Room #1.
The Talbot County Board of Education holds monthly Work Session Meetings, as indicated under the “Upcoming Meetings” section on the right side of the TCPS Diligent Community Home Page linked below. Work Session meetings begin at 5:30 p.m., on the dates indicated. The public may livestream meetings by choosing the video “Livestream” camera icon. Video coverage of past meetings can be viewed by selecting the video camera icon next to the correct meeting date under the “Recent Meetings” category on the right side of the page.
The Talbot County Board of Education holds Regular Board Meetings on a monthly basis at the Talbot County Education Center. The Board begins Regular Monthly Meetings at 5:30 p.m., only for the purpose of voting to close the meeting pursuant to the State Government article (Section 3-305 ( b )) (1) (to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals to discuss the superintendent contract; and (Section 3-305 ( b )) (7) and (8), to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on legal matters and consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation).
The open portion of the Regular Board Meeting begins at approximately 7:00 p.m. The public may attend in person or view the meeting via livestream by choosing the “Livestream” video camera icon on the TCPS Diligent Community Home page. Video coverage of past meetings may be accessed by selecting the video camera icon next to the proper meeting date under the “Recent Meetings” category.
Requests to speak at a Regular Board Meeting may be submitted online, prior to the start time of the regular Board meeting, using the following link: https://tcpsk12.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx
For more information about the Talbot County Board of Education, please contact Faith M. Brundige, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, by emailing: Faith.Brundige@TalbotSchools.org.
Work Session - Monday, June 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting - Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m.
All Talbot County Board of Education Meetings are held at the Talbot County Education Center, 12 Magnolia Street, Easton, MD 21601. Open meetings are held in Conference Room #1.
The Talbot County Board of Education holds monthly Work Session Meetings, as indicated under the “Upcoming Meetings” section on the right side of the TCPS Diligent Community Home Page linked below. Work Session meetings begin at 5:30 p.m., on the dates indicated. The public may livestream meetings by choosing the video “Livestream” camera icon. Video coverage of past meetings can be viewed by selecting the video camera icon next to the correct meeting date under the “Recent Meetings” category on the right side of the page.
The Talbot County Board of Education holds Regular Board Meetings on a monthly basis at the Talbot County Education Center. The Board begins Regular Monthly Meetings at 5:30 p.m., only for the purpose of voting to close the meeting pursuant to the State Government article (Section 3-305 ( b )) (1) (to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals to discuss the superintendent contract; and (Section 3-305 ( b )) (7) and (8), to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on legal matters and consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation).
The open portion of the Regular Board Meeting begins at approximately 7:00 p.m. The public may attend in person or view the meeting via livestream by choosing the “Livestream” video camera icon on the TCPS Diligent Community Home page. Video coverage of past meetings may be accessed by selecting the video camera icon next to the proper meeting date under the “Recent Meetings” category.
Requests to speak at a Regular Board Meeting may be submitted online, prior to the start time of the regular Board meeting, using the following link: https://tcpsk12.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx
For more information about the Talbot County Board of Education, please contact Faith M. Brundige, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, by emailing: Faith.Brundige@TalbotSchools.org.
We are pleased to share the Superintendent's Weekly Update for June 11, 2026, linked here: https://app.smore.com/n/ru7gbh
Dear TCPS Families,
Talbot County Public Schools will provide summer meal pick-up for children ages 3-18 once a week, from June 25 through August 13, 2026. Each meal packet will contain a week's worth of breakfast and lunch. Pick-up days will be on Thursdays at Easton Elementary from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Adults may pick up meals for children under their care ONLY.
REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED USING THIS LINK:
Summer Meal Registration 2026
The link is also available on the TCPS website.
If you wish to pick up meals, please register by Wednesday, June 17, so that we can ensure that enough meals are available. Meals will be reserved for families who register.
Pick-up dates are as follows:
June 25
July 2
July 9
July 16
July 23
July 30
August 6
August 13
There will be a checklist for those who have registered, and meals will be reserved for those families. There will be a separate sign-in sheet for those who did not register. You will need to provide your child's name, age, and school for those who are school-aged. You will also be required to sign a document confirming that you are picking up only for children in your care. Please understand that if you do not register, we cannot guarantee that we will have meals available.
TCPS Food Service
Dear TCPS Community Member,
Thank you for participating in the TCPS Family & Community Engagement Survey. We would love to hear your thoughts about your experience! Your feedback is very important as we strive to strengthen family and community engagement in support of TCPS students. This survey is administered by a third party, and responses are anonymous.
Your time is valuable, so this survey was designed to be quick and easy to complete, and should take approximately 10 minutes. Your honest insights will help us better understand the experiences of families and community members.
Please complete the survey by June 26th by clicking the link below.
TCPS Family and Community Engagement Survey
Thank you for taking the time to share your valuable feedback.
Sincerely,
Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Applications are open for the following positions at Talbot County Public Schools:
Supervisor of Information Technology
Community School Program Manager ~ Easton Elementary
Human Resources Licensure Specialist
Physical Therapist
School Counselor
Bus Driver 26/27 SY
Positions will be filled on a continuing basis following the original deadline, unless specified by a separate posting. All applicants must submit an application via this link: https://tcps.schoolspring.com/
Following a screening process, selected candidates will be interviewed.
Affirming equal opportunity in principle and practice.
We are pleased to share the Superintendent's Weekly Update for June 4, 2026, linked here: https://app.smore.com/n/5bmzg
St. Michaels High Graduation
When: June 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Easton High Graduation
When: June 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Graduation live streams can be found here. Actual links will be available approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony!
Many thanks to Les Lentz for making this stream possible!
Applications are open for the following CERTIFICATED positions:
School Counselor - Easton High
CNA Teacher - Easton High
Science Teacher - Secondary
Math Teacher - Secondary
Spanish Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Art Teacher - Easton Middle
Speech Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Applicants must have a valid Maryland Teacher's Professional Certificate in the field of assignment (or be eligible). If interested, please submit an application online using this link: https://tcps.schoolspring.com/
Congratulations to Susannah McPhelim, Kindergarten teacher at Easton Elementary, for being honored with the TCPS Education Foundation Teacher of the Month Award!
Susannah is a truly deserving kindergarten teacher whose dedication, patience, and love for her students shine through each and every day. She creates a welcoming classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Through her kindness, creativity, and commitment, she helps build a strong foundation for our youngest learners both academically and socially. She consistently goes above and beyond for her students, making sure every moment is an opportunity for learning.
We are grateful for all that she does at EES and are proud to recognize her as Teacher of the Month!! #Transformingandperformingineveryway
We are pleased to share the Superintendent's Weekly Update for May 28, 2026, linked here: https://app.smore.com/n/3154m
All TCPS schools and offices are closed on May 25, 2026 for the Memorial Day Holiday.
We are pleased to share the Superintendent's Weekly Update for May 21, 2026, linked here: https://app.smore.com/n/80h1d
We want to congratulate Melissa Gill, Kindergarten Instructional Assistant at Chapel District Elementary, for being honored with the TCPS Education Foundation Support Staff of the Month Award!
Ms. Gill builds strong, meaningful relationships with her students and maintains positive relationships with staff, families, and all stakeholders. It is evident how much her students love and respect her. She has an innate ability to bring out the best in every child she serves while creating a warm, supportive, and structured learning environment.
Ms. Gill has been instrumental in supporting students, helping teach accountability, and positive decision-making skills. She follows directions thoroughly, carries out responsibilities with professionalism, and provides outstanding classroom management support to Mrs. Sump as needed. Ms. Gill consistently assists students with patience and kindness, speaking to them in a calm and caring manner that helps foster student confidence and success.
In addition, Ms. Gill excels at keeping the classroom organized, preparing instructional materials in a timely manner, and supporting student achievement. She shows initiative by leading small instructional groups during math and ELA instruction and is always willing to step in and help wherever needed. Her positive attitude, teamwork, and dedication to students make her an outstanding member of the Chapel family and we are so grateful to have her!! #Transformingandperformingineveryway
Ms. Gill builds strong, meaningful relationships with her students and maintains positive relationships with staff, families, and all stakeholders. It is evident how much her students love and respect her. She has an innate ability to bring out the best in every child she serves while creating a warm, supportive, and structured learning environment.
Ms. Gill has been instrumental in supporting students, helping teach accountability, and positive decision-making skills. She follows directions thoroughly, carries out responsibilities with professionalism, and provides outstanding classroom management support to Mrs. Sump as needed. Ms. Gill consistently assists students with patience and kindness, speaking to them in a calm and caring manner that helps foster student confidence and success.
In addition, Ms. Gill excels at keeping the classroom organized, preparing instructional materials in a timely manner, and supporting student achievement. She shows initiative by leading small instructional groups during math and ELA instruction and is always willing to step in and help wherever needed. Her positive attitude, teamwork, and dedication to students make her an outstanding member of the Chapel family and we are so grateful to have her!! #Transformingandperformingineveryway
CarePacks’ Food Distribution - Friday, May 22
Open to all TCPS families!
📍 Easton Elementary School
📅 Friday, May 22
⏰ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (while supplies last)
Please help spread the word!
Open to all TCPS families!
📍 Easton Elementary School
📅 Friday, May 22
⏰ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (while supplies last)
Please help spread the word!
Dear TCPS Families:
Talbot County Public Schools will continue to use the by-request-only process for school bus transportation for the 2026–2027 school year. This process was implemented last year to improve routing efficiency and better support our transportation operations. Please note: families will need to complete a new opt-in/opt-out form each school year. The process for this will be as follows:
During the first week of June, you should receive an email from noreply@transfinder.com requesting that you complete an opt-in/opt-out form for your students’ transportation for the upcoming school year.
The form must be completed by July 31, 2026.
You will receive an email for each student enrolled in TCPS.
Please fill out a form for each of your children who attend TCPS to either opt out, if your child does NOT need bus transportation, or opt in if your child DOES need Bus Transportation for the 26-27 school year.
We have implemented this process for several reasons:
Bus Routing Efficiency - With a transportation “opt-in,” we can more efficiently route students across the county. When families opt out, the Transportation department can remove unneeded stops from routes, which will help support reduced ride times for all students.
Driver Shortages - There continues to be a national shortage of school bus drivers. An additional benefit to completing the opt-in/opt-out form is that the information will allow for the potential consolidation of bus routes, which may reduce the number of drivers needed.
If you do not receive the opt-in/opt-out email for your student(s) in June, please call the school to ensure that your contact information is correct in PowerSchool. For families who do not have an email address, it is important that you make your school aware of this so that information can be distributed through alternative means.
Thank you in advance for your help with this initiative.
Sincerely,
TCPS Transportation Department
The Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Kennedy Krieger Neurodiversity conference to be held at Fello in Easton, MD, has been postponed.
Information about the new date will be provided in June.
Information about the new date will be provided in June.
