St. Mary’s County approves FY2011 school budget; superintendent warns stimulus one‑time and enrollment is rising

The Board of County Commissioners approved the St. Mary’s County Public Schools fiscal 2011 operating and capital budget on Aug. 24, authorizing the county to sign the documents the Maryland State Department of Education requires.

Superintendent Dr. Martorano urged the board to treat recent federal and state one‑time funds cautiously while the district adapts to steady student growth. “We are approaching 17,500 students,” she said, noting enrollment was still rising that morning. The budget as approved contains about $2.9 million in stimulus dollars and anticipates the possibility of a one‑time Race to the Top award of roughly $1.4 million for curriculum and implementation work if the state receives the federal grant.

Why it matters: Commissioners and school leaders said the district used one‑time federal funds to avoid layoffs and preserve services in a difficult revenue environment, but cautioned that those sources are not recurring and could complicate FY2012 planning.

Board action and context - The board approved the school…