Garrett County Public Schools previews FY26 budget; proposes 5% salary increase and new programs including driver's education and culinary arts

Garrett County Public Schools staff presented priorities for the fiscal year 2026 budget at a March budget work session at Northern Middle School, saying the plan includes a proposed 5% salary increase for employees, expanded programming at the secondary level, and targeted summer interventions while cautioning that final allocations depend on state funding.

Dr. McCartney (staff member) told the Board the draft budget is centered on negotiated contract obligations and the system's goals of rigorous coursework, highly qualified staff and community partnerships. "We are looking at a 5% salary increase for all of our employees," Dr. McCartney said, adding the proposal aligns with efforts to reach a $60,000 starting teacher salary.

The superintendent presentation said the draft also assumes a 2% increase in health insurance costs and called for additional transportation funding. "Transportation is usually underfunded by the state to the tune of about a million dollars," a staff presenter said, noting the district's transportation costs have risen and federal COVID relief used in prior years is no longer available.

Nut graf: School leaders outlined specific program additions and materials requests they want funded if state and local resources allow, while repeatedly noting the district awaits updated state aid figures after the Maryland legislative session.

Key program and materials proposals

- Driver's education: The district proposed contracting with a local driving-school vendor to offer an elective driver's-education course at the secondary level. The proposal is budgeted at $50,000 for next year and is…