CUMBERLAND — Two bills that will impact education policy and finances in Western Maryland have won important votes, with time running out for passage of legislation in the General Assembly.

One bill would help school districts facing a drop in state funding and the other would remove an ex officio position from the Allegany and Garrett County boards of education.

The ex officio bill passed the House of Delegates 137-0 Friday. The Senate version of the bill, which passed 47-0, is already in the House.

On Thursday, the Ways and Means Committee gave the House version of the school funding bill a favorable recommendation. It’s not unusual to have bills filed in both houses of the legislature.

More here.