St. Mary's County commissioners voted May 20 to approve a Board of Education request to move local education funds so the Judith Hoyer Child Care and Education Center can continue a contracted half‑day program for young children.

The change was presented by Rhonda Meline, restricted funds accountant for St. Mary’s County Public Schools, who said the school system’s grant for the program “fell short of funding this piece of the contract” and the district had paid through April or May out of remaining grant funds. Dr. Bridal (St. Mary's County Public Schools) told commissioners the program serves 3‑, 4‑ and 5‑year‑olds and the county‑funded component provides the other half of a split‑day arrangement, helping families unable to pay full costs.

The categorical change will move money into the contract line to finish the current year; for fiscal 2009 the school system reduced one FTE in the grant to ensure the contracted half‑day piece can be funded, Meline said. Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. moved the board approve the Board of Education’s FY2008 categorical request; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The vote authorizes the commission president to sign evidence of the action requested by the Board of Education. The school official who presented the request said the change bridges the shortfall for the remainder of the school year; commissioners did not ask for additional follow‑up paperwork beyond the standard budget amendment and letter of evidence.

The approval preserves slots at the Judith Hoyer center for children the Board of Education identified as eligible for the two‑part half‑day arrangement, while the district manages the program budget into FY2009.