Eric Ebersole

Eric Ebersole is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 44A. A member of the Democratic Party, he has been active in the Maryland General Assembly since 2015. Ebersole's background as an educator and his involvement in various community organizations have shaped his legislative priorities and approach to governance.

Early life and career

Eric Ebersole was born on May 20, 1958, in Baltimore, Maryland, and he spent his formative years in Catonsville. His educational journey began at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics education, graduating in 1980. He continued his studies at the same institution, earning a Master of Science degree in mathematics education in 1986. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his long career in education.

Ebersole dedicated over thirty years to teaching high school mathematics in Howard County, where he worked at several institutions, including Wilde Lake High School, Marriotts Ridge High School, and Reservoir High School. His commitment to education was recognized through various accolades, including being named the Outstanding Secondary Mathematics Teacher of the Year in 1987 by the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Additionally, he was honored as Wilde Lake High School's Teacher of the Year in 2002.

Beyond his role as a classroom teacher, Ebersole contributed to the field of education as an adjunct instructor in mathematics education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. His involvement extended to professional organizations, where he was an active member of the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics, taking on various leadership roles. Ebersole also engaged with the local community through his volunteer work with the Catonsville Chamber of Commerce and as a life member of the Catonsville Historical Society. His commitment to service included leadership positions within the Catonsville Presbyterian Church, where he participated in various community outreach initiatives.

In 2010, following a significant redistricting process, the three incumbent legislators representing the 12th District opted not to seek re-election. Ebersole entered the race for the newly defined district, which led to his election alongside fellow newcomers Terri Hill and Clarence Lam, marking the beginning of his legislative career.

Legislative service

Ebersole was officially sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 14, 2015. Since his election, he has taken on various leadership roles, including serving as the Deputy Majority Whip starting in 2022. His legislative activities have included filing for re-election in subsequent election cycles, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to public service.

In October 2015, Ebersole was appointed by the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, Michael E. Busch, to a commission tasked with studying the use of standardized testing in Maryland's public schools. The commission's work culminated in a set of recommendations aimed at improving the testing process, which were submitted in July 2016.

Ebersole has been a member of the Ways and Means Committee since he entered the legislature, contributing to various subcommittees focused on education, election law, and revenue. His leadership within the committee has included serving as chair of the finance resources subcommittee and the early childhood subcommittee. Additionally, he is a member of the Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, reflecting his focus on issues affecting younger populations.

In 2023, Ebersole was appointed as the House Chair of the Baltimore County Delegation, a position that underscores his influence within the local legislative context. He is also a member of the Maryland Legislative Transit Caucus, which he joined in 2019, indicating his interest in transportation issues.

Policy focus and district

Ebersole's legislative agenda has prominently featured education, reflecting his background as a long-time educator. He introduced significant legislation aimed at reforming standardized testing practices in Maryland. In the 2015 legislative session, he successfully advocated for the establishment of a commission to evaluate the time allocated to testing across grade levels and school systems. This initiative resulted in a law that aimed to streamline testing processes.

In subsequent years, Ebersole continued to focus on educational policy. In 2019, he introduced legislation that mandated the inclusion of a full-time teacher and a parent of a public school student on the Maryland State Board of Education. This bill was enacted without the governor's signature, demonstrating bipartisan support for the initiative. Furthermore, in 2021, he introduced legislation requiring the Maryland State Department of Education to monitor the use of restraint and seclusion on students, which passed unanimously in the House of Delegates. The following year, he introduced a bill to ban the use of seclusion in public schools, which also became law.

Ebersole has also taken a stance on immigration issues, participating in rallies to advocate for immigrant rights and introducing legislation to prevent public school security personnel from assisting federal immigration authorities in schools. His commitment to social issues is further reflected in his 2021 legislative efforts to ensure that students could participate in peaceful demonstrations, a bill that passed the House of Delegates with significant support.

Ebersole's personal life includes being married and raising three children. He remains active in his community, attending services at the Catonsville Presbyterian Church, where he has previously held roles such as deacon and youth leader. His extensive background in education and community service informs his legislative priorities, as he continues to represent the interests of his constituents in District 44A.