This article provides information on Maryland's state education finance and governance. The state provides a foundation funding program, which guarantees a minimum or foundation level of per-pupil expenditures for children in all the state's school systems; this is done through a combination of state aid and local revenue. In 2002, Maryland enacted the Bridge to Excellence Act. The legislation provided an additional $1.3 billion in state aid for education. In terms of governance, there are 12 members on the state board of education, all of whom are appointed by the governor. The Maryland State Superintendent of Schools is the chief state school officer and is also appointed by the governor, while the Maryland Higher Education Commission is the coordinating body for the state's postsecondary education system. Meanwhile, Maryland, like many states, is faced with a shortage of qualified and effective teachers. In addition, Maryland struggles with teacher retention. (Contains 1 table.)