Wicomico County Public Schools proposes roughly $279 million FY26 operating budget as enrollment rises

Wicomico County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rager told the Board of Education on Feb. 26 that the district’s proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget is based on a projected $279,018,122 in revenue and would request additional county support to cover inflation and restore lost funding.

The proposal centers on rising enrollment and operating costs. "The budget presented today is based on a proposed revenue of $279,018,122," Dr. Rager said, adding the proposal includes a request to county government for maintenance of effort plus CPI and an additional 2 percent investment to restore funding lost over the past decade and a half.

The budget team said the request to county government is approximately $55,000,008 and that the FY26 proposal represents an 8.64 percent increase in total projected revenue over last year. Board materials show a close variant of the projected total as $279,018,001.22.

Why it matters: the district faces near-term cost pressures — mandated teacher starting pay, insurance and replacement of technology bought with federal pandemic funds — and uncertain state funding tied to pending legislation. Dr. Rager told the board the superintendent’s priorities that shaped the budget are school climate and safety, student achievement and engagement, a high-performing workforce, and parent and community involvement.

Key details - Enrollment and state aid: the…