SMCPS implements budget cuts and reclassifies staff positions during board meeting

During the recent St. Mary's County Public Schools Board of Education meeting, significant changes to the school district's budget and staffing structure were discussed, reflecting a proactive approach to managing resources and enhancing educational services.

One of the key highlights was the reclassification of several positions within the district. An administrative assistant role has been upgraded to a coordinating administrative assistant, while a Title 1 coordinator will now serve as a Title 1 supervisor. Additionally, the director of parent and family engagement has been reclassified to a director of Title 1 and community engagement. These changes aim to better align staff roles with the district's organizational needs.

The board also reviewed the budget, which has undergone substantial cuts and adjustments. Notably, the district has reduced its workforce by 17.2% and discontinued the one-to-one technology program for kindergarten and first-grade students. The virtual academy has been relocated to the Leonardtown campus, and its lease has been returned to the county government. Furthermore, the district has moved its environmental education center and reduced the number of relocatable classrooms on campuses.

In terms of healthcare, the district has made significant changes to its plans for employees and retirees, including the implementation of a Medicare Advantage plan and a new pharmaceutical savings program. These adjustments are expected to yield cost savings and improve efficiency in maintenance operations through a newly introduced building maintenance automation system.

A notable topic of discussion was the blueprint funding, which is tied to student enrollment and demographics. The district has demonstrated a commendable 94% compliance with the requirement to allocate blueprint funds at the school level, surpassing the minimum threshold of 75%. Although the deadline for full compliance has been extended to fiscal year 2027, the district is actively preparing for the upcoming reporting requirements and may need to submit a waiver for its multilingual component.

As St. Mary's County Public Schools navigates these changes, the board remains focused on ensuring that the adjustments made today will positively impact the educational experience for students and families in the community. The next steps will involve careful alignment of staffing and resources to meet the evolving needs of the district.