The Worcester County Board of Education held a Public Budget Input Meeting on December 3, 2024, to discuss the financial framework for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting focused on the distribution of funding sources, expenditure categories, and the challenges faced by the school system.

The meeting began with an overview of the funding structure for the current year, highlighting that 69.6% of the budget comes from local sources, with state aid contributing 19.6% and federal aid at 10.2%. This distribution contrasts with neighboring counties like Wicomico and Somerset, where state aid is more substantial due to differing wealth-based funding formulas.

A significant portion of the budget, 42.4%, is allocated to instructional costs, with special education receiving 10% and student transportation at 6.2%. The board emphasized that 86.4% of the budget is dedicated to salaries and fixed charges, underscoring the commitment to investing in staff and instructional resources. The breakdown of expenditures revealed that contractual services, primarily for bus contractors, account for 7.1%, while supplies and materials make up 2.9%.

Concerns were raised regarding teacher salaries, as Worcester County ranks lowest in the state with a starting salary of $52,789. The board aims to increase this figure to $60,000 by fiscal year 2027. Additionally, the meeting addressed the issue of poverty, noting that nearly 50% of students qualify for free and reduced meals, indicating a significant socioeconomic challenge within the county.

The discussion also touched on the implications of the state’s wealth-based funding formula, which results in Worcester receiving approximately $4,500 per pupil—less than half the state average of $9,500. This disparity is attributed to the county's perceived wealth, largely influenced by the property values in Ocean City.

Looking ahead, the board is considering a step increase for all employees, estimated to cost around $1.2 million, along with a potential 1% cost-of-living adjustment at approximately $795,000. The health insurance costs are still under review, with final figures expected in February.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the state law requiring the county government to maintain the same level of funding on a per-pupil basis for the next year, which will be crucial as the board prepares the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.