We are teaming up with the Talbot County Free Library again this year for Popsicles in the Park! Join us for stories, activities, free books, and fun! Enjoy ice-cold popsicles while Dr. Pepukayi reads a story! We will be at Idlewild Park in Easton on today (8/11/26) from 5-6:30 p.m.
Talbot County Board of Education Meetings - August 2026
Work Session - Monday, August 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting - Wednesday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m.
NOTE: Regular Meetings of the Board will be held on the second Wednesday of the month effective in August, 2026. Work Session Meetings will be held on the Monday before the Regular Meeting. All meetings will begin promptly at 5:30 pm.
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/
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.
New for 2026-2027: No Cell. Bell to Bell.
Dear TCPS Families,
At Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS), we are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment and the best possible conditions for our staff to support students in achieving their full potential.
When TCPS welcomes students back on August 24, an important change will take effect regarding students' possession of cell phones in school. Starting this year, TCPS will follow a “no cell, bell to bell” model. Students in all grade levels will not be permitted to use cell phones, smartwatches, headphones, earbuds, or other personal communication devices during the school day.
This change is in response to the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, which was passed during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. This legislation requires all Maryland public school systems to implement policies governing the use of personal communication devices beginning with the 2027-28 school year. In support of a smooth transition, the Talbot County Board of Education is choosing to begin adhering to these expectations during the 2026-27 school year.
The Board of Education authorized a pilot program for Easton Middle School utilizing the Yondr cell phone pouches in 2024-2025. This was expanded to St. Michaels Middle School in 2025-2026. Initial data and administrator feedback indicate this has had a positive impact on student behavior and learning. Across the country, schools where phone-free policies have been implemented have noted many improved outcomes, including less distraction, less cyberbullying, fewer fights, increased engagement, improved attendance, and healthier school environments overall.
We recognize this will be an adjustment for students and families at the high school level. Please note that exceptions may be made, including for documented medical needs or approved accommodations. As is the case at Easton Middle and St. Michaels Middle schools, consequences for non-compliance without approved exceptions are as follows:
- First Offense- phone is taken to the office, and the student can pick it up at the end of the day
- Second Offense- phone is taken to the office, and the parent has to pick it up
- Third Offense- Office referral, and the parent has to pick the phone up.
- Fourth Offense- Office referral. Students are required to turn in their phones to the office daily for the remainder of the quarter.
This is aligned with the TCPS Student Code of Conduct. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to discuss digital device expectations and review the TCPS Student Code of Conduct with students before the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
We appreciate your support and partnership with these new expectations.
Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D.
Superintendent
TCPS free Summer meal pick-up is today (Thursday, 8/6/26) from 3-6 p.m. inside the cafeteria at Easton Elementary School.
TCPS free Summer meal pick-up is today (Thursday, 7/30/26) from 3-6 p.m. inside the cafeteria at Easton Elementary School.
Families who received the Transportation Opt-In/Opt-Out email should complete and submit it by July 31. Families who did not receive the email should visit the TCPS website and complete the 2026–2027 Online Transportation Request Form. Timely submission of transportation requests will help ensure bus routes are finalized before the start of the school year.
TCPS free Summer meal pick-up is today (Thursday, 7/23/26) from 3-6 p.m. inside the cafeteria at Easton Elementary School.
We are pleased to share the Superintendent's Update for July 2026, linked here: https://app.smore.com/n/p42d3
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
A message from Talbot County Health Department- We hope everyone is having a wonderful summer, please read our Summer School Health Newsletter!
https://app.smore.com/n/z8u4k
Free Summer meal pick-up is today (Thursday, 7/16/26) from 3-6 p.m. inside the cafeteria at Easton Elementary School.
Giant Food is once again partnering with our school district on a program to help support our children facing food insecurity. From July 10 to August 6 2026, everyone who shops at any Giant Food Store will be invited to “ROUND UP AT THE REGISTER” and donate the round-up amount of their bill to support Nourishing Our Youth. We are grateful to @GiantFood for this much-needed support for TCPS families! Please spread the word to the community to ensure this program is a great success.
We are teaming up with the Talbot County Free Library again this year for Popsicles in the Park! Join us for stories, activities, free books, and fun! Enjoy ice-cold popsicles while Dr. Pepukayi reads a story! We will be in St. Michaels at Muskrat Park on Tuesday, July 14, from 5 - 6 p.m., and at Idlewild Park in Easton on Tuesday, August 11 (new date) from 5-6:30 p.m.
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
