Canvas Remains Restricted

Following a security breach at Instructure/Canvas, HCPSS continues to restrict access as the school system has not received sufficient assurance as to the safety of the platform. More information is available online.

Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program

Howard County Council Bill 14-2023 established the Student Loan Assistance Program for HCPSS teachers. The program provides $225,000 per year for five years to help eligible certificated HCPSS staff repay their student loans.

To be eligible for funding through the Student Loan Assistance Program, an HCPSS employee must meet the following the criteria:

  • Be a current, full-time, permanent HCPSS employee
  • Be covered by the Howard County Education Association (HCEA) certificated bargaining unit
  • Have received a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
  • Have been employed with the HCPSS full-time for a total of at least 5 years
  • Possesses one of the following certifications:
    • Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC)
    • Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I)
    • Standard Professional Certificate II (SPC II)
    • Advanced Professional Certificate (APC)
    • Conditional Certificate (CND)
    • Initial Professional License (IPL)
    • Advanced Professional License (APL)
    • Conditional License (CL)
    • Conditional Special Education License (CSL)
  • Not currently in default on any of their student loans
  • Have incurred at least $20K in student loan debt for any education loan used for undergraduate or graduate study obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses
  • Have a remaining balance of $5K or more on their student loan

Applications for the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program will be accepted between February 2 and April 10, 2026. The application can be found here and is also posted on the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program website.

The amount of money awarded to each applicant will be determined by the Howard County Government. Applicants will receive an email no later than May 29, 2026 outlining the amount of their award.

More information about the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program is available in these FAQs and on the HCPSS website.

Should you require assistance, please email TeachersLoanAssistance@hcpss.org with your inquiry.