The uncertainty surrounding the jobs of many federal workers has some Maryland officials recruiting them to work in schools.

During a Maryland General Assembly hearing Wednesday, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Carey Wright was asked about the Maryland State Department of Education potentially hiring federal workers who were laid off or facing a layoff.

This inquiry came from Sen. Cheryl Kagan, a Democrat of Montgomery County, who proposed the idea in a previous hearing Jan. 29 as a way to fill positions across the state.

At the Wednesday hearing, Wright said the education department has received frequent applications during this time, and was interviewing individuals for all available positions within the state.

Wright said the department also asked applicants about filling teacher vacancies.

“So not just moving into a leadership role, which is great,” she said during the hearing. “But a career change possibly.”

Howard County Public Schools has explored the possibility of hiring recently laid-off federal workers, according to Brian Bassett, director of communications and engagement for the school system.

Bassett said in an email statement that the district will have a team in attendance at the Howard County Federal Workers Job Fair on Tuesday as a way to promote available positions in their central office.

He said the district is also communicating with interested individuals about teacher positions and the steps necessary to secure a teaching license.

Montgomery County, however, does not have recruiting programs in place specifically for federal workers, according to Liliana López, public information officer for the school system. López does, however, encourage anyone who wants to work for them to visit their career website.

The urge to assist recently laid off federal workers comes after continuous cuts to the federal workforce. As of Feb.19, the Associated Press reported 39 people were fired from the U.S. Department of Education, including special education specialists and student aid officials.

During the first month of President Donald Trump’s second term, his administration’s Department of Government Efficiency has aimed to downsize the federal workforce and preserve federal funding. Now, the Maryland Department of Labor braces for a rise in employment claims as more workers are set to be released.

Have a news tip? Contact Shaela Foster at sfoster@baltsun.com.