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County hears Board of Education plan for elementary school safety assistants as MSDE reallocates funds
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Martirano presented a plan to add roving safety assistants at elementary schools and county staff reported an MSDE allocation increase that could cover some of the initial cost; commissioners asked for a BOE revised budget that shows the recurring cost differences before committing county funding.
St. Mary’s County commissioners and school officials on May 13 discussed adding safety assistants at elementary schools after recently released Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) allocations increased the Board of Education’s state aid for FY14.
What officials described Superintendent Dr. Martirano outlined the Board of Education’s plan for elementary‑level safety assistance. “Our plan is to provide 3 teams of … safety assistance at our elementary schools,” he said, explaining the proposal would add about 10 safety assistants who would “rove through our elementary schools on an as needed basis” rather than be assigned to a single site full time. He said candidates have included retired law‑enforcement personnel; a fully loaded cost estimate he provided earlier put individual safety‑assistant positions roughly in the $24,000–$30,000 range.
MSDE revenue change and implications County staff told the board that revised MSDE calculations released after the legislative session produced an additional roughly $244,000 in state aid for FY14 for St. Mary’s County schools (staff noted a larger five‑year phased correction could total more). Commissioners asked whether the additional state dollars could cover recurring costs of new security positions. Staff explained the increase will be phased in over multiple years and recommended the BOE provide a revised budget book showing the MSDE change and the distribution of those funds before the county commits to ongoing county funding for recurring personnel costs.
Board discussion and next steps Commissioners asked for options on whether the safety assistants would be county‑funded employees (with benefits), BOE employees, or contracted positions. Several commissioners said they were not prepared to commit recurring county dollars until the BOE presented implementation options and a revised budget book that reflects MSDE revenues and out‑year obligations. Dr. Martirano said the 10 positions (in the full‑implementation option) would be distributed geographically based on need and could be phased, with a partial first year implementation if the board directs.
What was requested - The BOE was asked to return with a revised budget showing the MSDE allocation changes and to show the cost differences and out‑year obligations for the safety assistant model(s) (contract staff vs BOE employees with benefits). Commissioners said they would consider a phased approach but wanted the financial and staffing comparisons before committing county recurring funds.
