PGCPS committee hears FY2026 budget update; officials outline $23.3M shortfall and possible $20M cut if state bills pass

Prince George's County Public Schools officials told the Operations Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee on Feb. 19 that updated state revenue estimates reduce the district’s FY2026 budget gap to about $23.3 million but warned that pending state legislation could reverse those gains.

Chief Financial Officer (interim) Chief Howell told the committee that updated unrestricted revenues supplied in mid‑January increase the district’s revenues by “nearly $19,000,000,” a change she said reduces the previously reported shortfall. “We are in a good place to be able to have a balanced budget,” Chief Howell said, while stressing uncertainty tied to ongoing state and federal actions and labor negotiations.

Why it matters: the committee’s review focused on how state blueprint funding, county contributions and pending Maryland General Assembly bills could affect school funding the district transmits to the County Executive on March 1. Committee members and staff spent the session reviewing 26 proposed amendments to the superintendent’s FY2026 requested budget; the committee will vote on which amendments to forward to the full board at a follow‑up session on Feb. 20.

Most important fiscal figures and risks - Updated state calculations increase unrestricted revenue by about $19 million and reduce the budget gap from earlier estimates (the superintendent’s proposed cycle initially showed an approximately $42 million gap, later adjusted to about $37 million after reductions). - Chief Howell said remaining work is underway to identify roughly $18.3 million in adjustments during the March–May reconciliation period to fully close the gap. - Officials flagged two Maryland General Assembly measures — identified in discussion as Bill 429 and House Bill…