Saint Mary's County residents demand full funding for public schools amid budget concerns

In the heart of St. Mary's County, Maryland, community members gathered for a pivotal budget public hearing on April 22, 2025, where the future of local education funding took center stage. As the evening unfolded, passionate voices rose to advocate for the full funding of the St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) budget, emphasizing the critical role education plays in shaping the community's future.

One of the standout moments came from an English teacher who presented stark comparisons between St. Mary's County and Worcester County. Despite St. Mary's boasting a higher per capita income of $70,353, it ranks twentieth out of twenty-four counties in Maryland for per pupil spending, allocating only $17,056 per student. In contrast, Worcester County, with a lower average income, spends $21,437 per student. This disparity raised eyebrows and prompted calls for action from the community, urging the commissioners to reconsider their budget priorities.

The urgency of the situation was echoed by Bonnie Kallenberger, a local resident and alumna of Leonardtown High School. She articulated the importance of investing in schools, not just for academic success but as a foundation for future leaders and community members. "Our schools are an investment in this county in more ways than one," she stated, highlighting the connection between education and the local defense industry, which is a significant economic driver in the area.

Erin Horner, a parent and taxpayer, reinforced the sentiment that community services, particularly education, deserve robust funding. She recalled how many residents supported a tax increase the previous year to ensure essential services were adequately funded. "We value having good parks and a wonderful school system that provides so many opportunities for our students," she said, urging the commissioners to honor their commitment to fully fund the school system.

As the evening progressed, Trista Hutchison, a substitute teacher and community member, passionately argued for the necessity of a solid educational foundation. "Education is the foundation to our future lives," she asserted, challenging the commissioners to reflect on the message they send to students when funding is insufficient. "What are we telling our children if we are constantly fighting for their education to be fully funded?" she asked, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing education in the budget.

The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency and determination among the speakers, who collectively called on the commissioners to allocate the necessary funds to support the schools and community services. As St. Mary's County faces the challenges of the coming years, the voices of its residents serve as a reminder of the critical role education plays in fostering a thriving community. The outcome of this budget hearing could shape the future of education in the county, making it a pivotal moment for both students and residents alike.