MCPS requests 688 special‑education FTEs, 47 EML teachers and expansions to CREA and blended learning; proposes cross‑functional teams to support schools

Montgomery County Public Schools told the county’s Education and Culture Committee on April 23 that its FY26 proposal includes major personnel additions aimed at addressing sharply rising special‑education caseloads, rapid growth in emerging multilingual learners (EML), and expanded alternatives for students who need options beyond a conventional classroom.

Key requests and rationale - Special education: MCPS proposes adding 688 full‑time equivalent (FTE) positions, a change the district estimates would cost about $46.6 million. The district said the request primarily converts temporary part‑time paraprofessionals to full‑time roles and adds classroom staff so that schools can meet established staffing guidelines. Of the 500 paraprofessional positions in the request, the district told the committee that about 366 would be conversions of existing temporary part‑time staff into full‑time positions with benefits.

- Emerging multilingual learners (EML): The proposed budget adds 47 EML teachers—estimated at $4.2 million—to serve a student population that the district says is its fastest growing group. The district noted that EML enrollment is projected to rise by about 1,000 students next year and that the average EML teacher ratio currently stands near 38 students per teacher.

- CREA and alternative pathways: The budget request includes 14 positions and about…