Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board says county proposed FY2026 budget leaves school system $29.2 million short
Summary
During a chair report, the Howard County Board of Education outlined a $29.2 million shortfall between the county executive's recommended revenue and the board's identified funding needs for FY2026, and urged continued community engagement as the county council finalizes its budget.
Chair Moseley told the Board that the school system's budget gap for fiscal year 2026 remains substantial.
"In total, the school system is currently scheduled to receive $47,300,000 in new revenue for fiscal year 2026. That is $54,300,000 less than the total amount identified for the Board of Education for our funding needs," Chair Moseley said. She later summarized the board's calculation that an additional $29,200,000 above the county executive's recommendation would be required to maintain current service commitments and employee compensation and benefits.
The statement, delivered as part of the chair's report, summarized the school system's recent engagement with the county council. Chair Moseley said Superintendent Barnes and system staff provided detailed briefings to council members laying out which programs and positions would be considered for reduction if the county council does not restore the missing funds.
The document the chair read lists specific service priorities the board aims to protect: math and reading teachers and specialists, special education service-level positions, planning time for instructional team leaders, athletic trainers, and a human resources position, among others. The chair said that, absent restored funding, the system will be forced to reprioritize and potentially reduce or eliminate programs and staff.
Chair Moseley urged continued public participation in the county's budget process and noted the council has additional opportunities for input prior to its final budget release on May 21. She told community members the board will resume public work sessions once it has a clearer picture of the council's final funding decision.
Superintendent Barnes and board members thanked community advocates and students who had testified at recent hearings and said they appreciated the community turnout.
The board made no formal budget decisions at the meeting; Chair Moseley framed the remarks as an update and called for the community to stay engaged through the county council's process.
