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Howard County schools face $54.3 million shortfall as board begins FY26 budget trade‑offs
Summary
Superintendent and staff told the Board of Education the county executive's FY26 proposal leaves a gap between new revenue and the Board's requested budget; the system must weigh class‑size, program and staffing tradeoffs while seeking council restorations.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Barnes told the Howard County Board of Education on April 29 that the county executive’s proposed fiscal 2026 contribution leaves the school system with a significant funding gap, requiring the board and administration to consider program reductions, revenue options and advocacy to the County Council.
Barnes said the County Executive’s proposal includes $39.3 million in recurring funds above maintenance‑of‑effort, $1.5 million in one‑time funds, and county coverage of a $6.7 million employer pension cost that the state has shifted to counties. Taken together with other revenue sources, the district estimates roughly $47.2 million in new funding is available for FY26. The Board’s March request, by contrast, exceeds maintenance of effort by about $101.6 million.
The result: a shortfall between the new revenue and the Board request of about $54.3 million, and a…
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