Parents and educators demand funding for Howard County school system improvements

In the heart of Howard County, Maryland, a gathering of concerned citizens filled the council chambers, their voices echoing a shared urgency for educational reform. The recent budget public hearing on April 30, 2025, became a platform for passionate advocates, parents, and educators to plead for increased funding for the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS).

Among the speakers was a determined parent, who, with a heartfelt plea, highlighted the dire state of local schools. “I don’t dare ask for more,” she said, emphasizing the need for basic funding to maintain the school system's baseline. She warned that the community's tax base could dwindle if the educational system continues to falter, pointing to issues like crumbling buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate support for special education students. Her message was clear: without proper funding, the future of Howard County’s schools—and the families they attract—hangs in the balance.

Kelly Kleinfelter, a teacher and president of the Howard Progressive Project, echoed these sentiments, reminding council members that discussions about school budgets ultimately revolve around children. “They don’t get a redo,” she stated, urging the council to prioritize the educational opportunities of students over political maneuvering. Her words resonated with the audience, as she called for a restoration of the budget to meet the needs of the school system.

Ryan Powers, another concerned resident, painted a stark picture of the funding crisis. He noted a significant decline in the share of the county budget allocated to HCPSS since 2018, despite rising student needs, including a 16% increase in special education students. Powers warned of a “runaway feedback loop” where continued budget cuts could lead to a downward spiral, diminishing the quality of education and the reputation of the school system. He urged the council to engage with the community and foster a dialogue about the pressing needs of the schools.

As the evening progressed, it became evident that the community's concerns were not just about numbers on a budget sheet; they were about the future of their children and the integrity of their educational system. The council members listened intently, aware that the decisions they make now will shape the landscape of education in Howard County for years to come.

The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency hanging in the air. As advocates left the chamber, their calls for action echoed in the hearts of those present, a reminder that the path forward for Howard County’s schools requires not just funding, but a commitment to nurturing the potential of every child. The future of education in the county remains uncertain, but the voices of its community are resolute in their demand for change.