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Long line of educators, parents and school leaders urge commissioners to fully fund Worcester County schools
Summary
Dozens of teachers, school staff, parents and the superintendent urged commissioners during the FY2026 budget hearing to approve the Board of Education’s funding request, citing teacher retention, small class sizes, special education services and technology needs.
A steady stream of educators, parents and school leaders urged Worcester County commissioners during Tuesday’s public hearing to fully fund the Board of Education’s FY2026 budget request.
Lou Taylor, superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools, opened the education speakers’ remarks by thanking commissioners and urging full funding of the school system’s proposed budget. Taylor said the district’s request reflects the Board of Education’s priorities: competitive compensation for teachers and staff, small class sizes, equal access across the county and expanded supports for special education, multilingual learners and mental‑health services.
Multiple speakers—teachers, school counselors, parents and union representatives—reiterated those themes. Debbie Lambertson said Cedar Chapel Special School needs continued staffing and technology investment; Shanika Nichols and other Snow Hill area speakers said smaller class sizes and competitive teacher packages are essential. Beth Shockley Lynch, president of the Worcester County Teachers Association and a Snow Hill Middle School teacher, urged full funding and emphasized that teachers are the school system’s most valuable resource. Ivory Smith, president of the Worcester County Education Support Professional Association, spoke for bus drivers, secretaries, custodians and cafeteria staff and asked for compensation that reflects their essential work.
Speakers provided detail used by the school system to justify its request: the Board of Education asked for a $10.4 million operating increase; the county’s requested education segment totals $136.5 million (47.6% of the county’s requested expenditures); the school budget document contains more than 650 line items, the speakers said, and the Board incorporated grant awards and other adjustments since its original submission.
Community members asked commissioners to use budget stabilization reserves if necessary to close the countywide shortfall and to avoid cutting instructional materials, positions, and student supports. Several speakers noted that Worcester County’s schools rank highly in the state and argued that continued investment both sustains those results and attracts families and businesses to the county.
Ending: Commissioners did not take a vote on school funding at the hearing; staff and the Board will continue budget discussions in May work sessions before the formal adoption scheduled for June 3.
