St. Mary's County staff told commissioners May 19 that the Board of Education approved its draft 2009 operating and capital budgets and submitted project detail sheets that change timing and county funding across the six‑year capital plan.

The primary change for the county is an increase in county funding of about $75,000 in 2009 and $730,000 in 2010 to address project cost realignments and a wastewater treatment plant upgrade at a high school. Staff said county funding adjustments over the full six‑year plan net to roughly zero because other projects were deferred to later years to balance the plan.

The Board of Education also proposed using an additional $300,000 of its fund balance to cover operating needs in 2009 while the system maintains existing services. Staff noted the board’s proposed use of fund balance leaves an estimated fund balance of roughly $3.5 million (not specified exactly) after the change.

School system grant activity factored into the review. The Board of Education included several new and increased grants in its approved draft, including STEM‑related funding, a growing 21st Century grant and preschool initiatives; some grants would add FTEs or fund contracted services. Staff reported the board’s budget includes four full‑time teachers to support high‑school assessment requirements in 2009 and several positions moved from grant to county funding where federal or state reimbursements changed.

Dan (staff) and school system representatives discussed the Chesapeake Public Charter School’s late request for $300,000 and 2.6 additional FTEs; staff said the charter school’s request was still being finalized and could shift between budget categories before formal approval.

The revised capital plan also included the Board of Education’s adjustments to relocatables and other out‑year projects; staff said the net county funding change in future years (2013–2014) included both small increases and larger reductions, with the total six‑year county obligation effectively unchanged.

Commissioners asked about alternative funding sources for mandated wastewater upgrades and whether state programs tied to elevated septic or on‑site systems (as referenced by staff) might be available; staff recommended checking eligibility for any state funds or new programs that could offset local capital costs.

The Board of Education materials were attached to the county packet and commissioners said they would carry the school revisions forward in the county capital package to be finalized ahead of the May 27 public hearing.