County executive’s FY26 proposal funds many AACPS priorities but cuts some positions; board gets mixed results

Matthew Stanski, chief financial officer for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, told the school board that the county executive’s recommended fiscal 2026 operating budget restores state aid and provides a record local increase but does not fund all items the board requested.

Stanski said state aid was restored after the governor’s budget uncertainty, producing a state-aid increase of about $45.5 million and bringing total state aid to “just shy of $594 million.” He said the county executive recommended roughly $52 million in additional county funding — about half of the $105.8 million the board had requested — and that the county contribution represents a record increase and roughly a 5.6% rise over the prior year.

Under the recommended operating budget, the county fully funded a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, step increases, mandated national-board certification increases and the district’s career-ladder transition. The county did not fund the board’s requested 1% midyear COLA, higher pay for substitute teachers, a $1,000 retention incentive, or extra compensation for overnight field trips. Stanski said 63 of 239 requested positions were funded in the recommendation.

Stanski outlined specific program and position changes: the proposal funded 12 English-language development positions (10 ELD teachers and two 12‑month bilingual facilitators) and approved moving some bilingual facilitators from 10 to 12 months. It did not fund 18 requested early-intervention teachers, several social-emotional positions, and other program enhancements. He said the county government accepted responsibility for a $9.1 million teacher pension shift.

Board member questions and comments emphasized the need to continue advocating to the county council. Board Chair Silkworth and members praised the county for the record increase while noting decades of past underfunding and remaining unmet needs. Board discussion also tied the budget outlook to the redistricting process, with one member observing that redistricting will reduce near-term space pressures and affect capital priorities.

On capital funding, Assistant Superintendent Heiser and staff said the recommended capital plan reduced or modified several line items but left core projects largely intact. Notable changes included a reduced relocatable allocation to $400,000, school-based replacement reductions but continued funding for electric infrastructure and bus/van replacements, and a reduced placeholder for a school bus facility while property acquisition continues. Heiser said Glen Burnie High feasibility study planning funding was increased to support further evaluation; additions to capacity were reduced given redistricting work.

At the same meeting the board approved a fourth-quarter operating budget supplemental and fund transfer for FY 2024 (item 7.05). Matt Stanski presented an $18.6 million supplemental in new revenue composed of approximately $3.3 million additional federal funds, $1.8 million increased state aid (mostly for nonpublic placements), $5.2 million in local revenue (primarily higher interest earnings) and $8.2 million in restricted revenue tied to the health care fund, which the district is drawing from to cover elevated claims. The board moved and approved the supplemental transfer; the roll-call vote recorded board members voting aye and the motion passed 7–0.

Stanski and Heiser and their teams answered board questions; no final operating or capital adoption vote occurred at this meeting because the materials presented were the county executive’s recommendation and the district will continue advocacy with the county council.