Montgomery County schools propose $146M budget; superintendent asks county for $6.6M and free meals for all students

Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bragan presented the school division’s proposed fiscal 2025–26 operating budget to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 24, asking the county for roughly $6.6 million in additional revenue and outlining personnel and program priorities.

Dr. Bragan told the board “the focus is always on the children” while reviewing proposed investments that include a districtwide 3% salary increase for all employees and a plan to compress long salary guides so employees reach maximum pay sooner. He said the district is proposing compression of some guides from as long as 36 years to a shorter schedule and that the 3% raise aligns with the state biennial budget raise for Standards of Quality (SOQ) positions.

The nut graf: The school division said the requested county contribution — about $6.6 million — would cover pay changes and new positions aimed at meeting state requirements and district needs, and would allow the board to pilot programs and expand services (including county funding that would enable free breakfast and lunch for all students).

Key budget items presented

- Compensation: a 3% across‑the‑board raise for all employees and salary‑guide compression to shorten time-to-maximum pay. - Minimum…