MCPS advocates for 1¢ tax increase to boost school funding and resources

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on April 10, 2025, to discuss critical funding needs for local schools. The meeting focused on the proposed tax increase aimed at addressing significant gaps in educational resources and maintaining school quality.

During the hearing, a representative emphasized that the requested tax increase of one cent is essential for funding basic needs rather than additional luxuries. The speaker outlined several key priorities, including a proposed 3% salary raise for teachers, which would cost approximately $4,040,000, and funding for school security officers at $280,000. Additionally, the provision of free breakfast and lunch for students was highlighted, with an estimated cost of $1,240,000.

The total funding request for these initiatives reached $5,560,000. The speaker noted that the current budget already allocates about $6 million more than the previous year, raising questions about the necessity of the tax increase to generate an additional $1,250,000.

A significant concern raised was the performance of students with disabilities in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), which lags behind state averages. To address this, the superintendent proposed hiring 10 additional special education teachers and 7.5 paraprofessionals, costing $1,060,000. This brought the total funding request to $6,600,000.

The discussion also included the need to adjust teacher and staff salary scales to improve retention rates, with a proposed cost of $975,000. The total funding request, including all basic needs, reached approximately $7,600,000.

The speaker concluded by urging the board to approve the tax increase, emphasizing that the average property tax rate in Virginia is 76 cents, which they argued is not excessive. The meeting underscored the urgent need for financial support to enhance educational outcomes and ensure the well-being of students in Montgomery County.