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Board of Education submits FY26 request of $33.78 million; cites rising health care and special education costs
Summary
The Allegany County Board of Education presented a FY26 funding request of $33,785,089 (exclusive of teacher pension pass‑back) and said health insurance increases and a rising special education population were key budget pressures.
The Allegany County Board of Education submitted a fiscal 2026 funding request of $33,785,089 plus the teacher pension pass‑back, a figure approved by the board on April 1 and presented to county commissioners.
The board's representative said the request is roughly 0.2% less than last year when teacher pension pass‑back is excluded and that the county provides 24.7% of the school system’s unrestricted budget. The presentation noted an approximate enrollment decline of about 60 students and said the district remains ranked 22nd in wealth per pupil under the state formula.
Officials highlighted rising health insurance costs (the board cited an expected increase "north of 15%") and a continued rise in the special education population. The district reported an 11% increase in special education this year, noting roughly 18% of students now require special education services.
The budget packet includes about $3 million in fund balance within the proposed spending plan and seeks to preserve summer school and tutoring formerly funded by CARES grants. The board also budgeted about $450,000 for pared‑back capital outlay and approximately $800,000 for textbooks and technology materials.
Board representatives said they have factored in potential cuts and state fiscal uncertainties and will provide additional detail on the teacher pension pass‑back when it is finalized.
