1-13-2025 4:49am

Debbie Phelps Retires

Mission Moment: Happy retirement, Debbie Phelps

Over a dozen years, she energized and expanded the impact of The Education Foundation

A heartfelt thank you to "the" Debbie Phelps

On January 1, Deborah Phelps officially retired from Baltimore County Public Schools. We are so thrilled that Debbie can now spend more time with family and friends, travel, and most importantly, relax and take care of herself! It is our honor and privilege to have worked alongside Debbie. To us, she is number one! She is “the” Debbie Phelps!

If you know “the” Debbie Phelps, then you know she has rightfully earned the clout that follows her, and she lives up to all the hype and then some.

If you know “the” Debbie Phelps, then you know she has rightfully earned the clout that follows her, and she lives up to all the hype and then some. Debbie has a presence that is second to none, and she commands any room she enters. Her well-earned reputation precedes her, and you would expect a big ego to follow such a reputation, but it is quite the opposite. In fact, if you know Debbie, then chances are she has embraced you in her arms and told you with tear-filled eyes how much gratitude she has for you and the impact you have made. And she means it – every word – with all her big heart.

Deborah Phelps

Debbie has been an educator for 50 years and leaves a legacy of almost 30 years in BCPS. She is a proud mother, a caring sister, a doting grandmother, the most genuine friend, a philanthropist, mentor, author, public speaker, advocate, and an exemplary leader. In every role that she plays, she is loving, caring, and absolutely exceptional. We could fill an entire book with all things Debbie has accomplished and contributes to this community, but we would like to focus on the work she has done since 2012 as the first dedicated and first ever female executive director of The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools Inc.

In 2012, when Debbie was reassigned to the foundation from her role as the first principal of Windsor Mill Middle School, she could not imagine the incredible impact she would have on the entire school system.

In 2012, when Debbie was reassigned to the foundation from her role as the first principal of Windsor Mill Middle School, she could not imagine the incredible impact she would have on the entire school system. In 12 short years, she grew The Education Foundation’s Board from 15 to 33 members (and counting) and diversified it in terms of gender, age, race, and industry. All board members who proudly serve alongside Debbie can attest to the fact that this is not just a line on their resume. Debbie has led by example and expected every member to contribute passionately, be a storyteller for the foundation, and give their “time, talent and treasure”– a phrase repeated by Debbie at every board meeting. As a result, the foundation can proudly tout 100% board participation at its core events.

Debbie with members of the staff and board of The Education Foundation

In addition to the board's positive evolution, Debbie established an Executive Committee, Advisory Council, and an Exchangeree: Gizmos & Gadgets Galore Roundtable Council to provide stakeholders with addition platforms through which they can contribute. She has listened to and responded to every request. One of the most impactful responses was her creation of not one, but two Exchangerees: Gizmos and Gadgets Galore – educator resource centers where teachers “shop” for classroom supplies and academic and social-emotional resources for their classrooms, students, and school communities at no cost to them. The first Exchangeree opened in 2018, and the second was opened during the pandemic. They were established through a partnership with Merritt Properties and are maintained through the generous donations of community members and partners. Since 2018, more than $2.7 million of resources and supplies have been redistributed directly to our educators, students, and school community members via the Exchangerees. They are truly a national model, and many other district leaders have sought out Debbie’s expertise while they attempt to replicate what she has done.

The foundation's growth can be seen in several other ways, too. Debbie grew the number of scholarships offered from 10 to more than 50, including an Historically Black Colleges and Universities Book Scholarship. She increased the amount of grant funds distributed from $10,000 to more than $100,000. She led her board, staff, and cadre of dedicated volunteers to hold drives to support the goals of BCPS – the 22nd largest school system in the nation. She turned the Tee Off for Team BCPS Golf Classic into a prestigious sold-out event. She embraced Board Member Joe Mondell’s grassroots event idea – Let's Play Ball! – and turned the day into an event celebrating BCPS students, teachers, and administrators. She embraced Board Member Nancy Hofmann’s idea for a Designer Bag Bingo event, and it sold out the first year! She has answered the call of four different superintendents and tailored their State of the Schools events to fit their visions. Her servant leadership modeled the way for others and inspires us all to do more for our community.

Her servant leadership modeled the way for others and inspires us all to do more for our community.

Debbie, center, with foundation board members and staff at a BCPS Partnership Fair

Debbie (3rd from left) at a Stuff the Bus (with school supplies) event

Debbie (right) help recognizing an Assistant Principal of the Year

Debbie speaking at the start of a Tee Off for Team BCPS golf tournament

Debbie (2nd from right) at a ceremony honoring Putting Students First grants recipients

Debbie at a Soles 4 Souls event (to distribute new shoes to BCPS students who need them)

Phelps (in center) with board members and staff at the Inspiring Hope gala

Debbie (second from right) at a ceremony honoring the foundation's volunteers and BCPS staff supports

Debbie at various Education Foundation and BCPS events

Though always game to put the “fun” in fundraising, Debbie adhered strictly to nonprofit requirements. She developed, implemented, and maintained a strategic plan – far surpassing her annual and five-year goals each cycle. She worked with the board to ensure bylaws are enforced and celebrated. And she moved the foundation’s Guide Star Rating from Silver to Gold to Platinum. In all that Debbie has done for the foundation, she has always exuded passion and dedication to making this foundation the best it can be.

Under her dynamic leadership, the foundation has experienced unprecedented growth, successfully organizing impactful fundraising events that have significantly contributed to advancing our mission of providing enhanced educational opportunities.

Under her dynamic leadership, the foundation has experienced unprecedented growth, successfully organizing impactful fundraising events that have significantly contributed to advancing our mission of providing enhanced educational opportunities. Debbie's unwavering dedication and strategic vision has not only elevated the foundation's profile but also fortified our commitment to empowering students and educators, making her an exemplary leader in the community.

We are immensely proud that Deborah Phelps, the visionary executive director of The Education Foundation of BCPS, has embarked upon her retirement. We were honored to work alongside her and call her our friend. We are so excited to see where her next chapter takes her! Please join us in congratulating and celebrating the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), Deborah Phelps!