Washington County board adopts FY2026 draft budget after heated debate over equity position

The Washington County Public Schools Board of Education voted to adopt the superintendent's FY2026 draft general fund budget during its Feb. 18 public business meeting, approving the draft budget by a 5'to—2 roll-call tally.

The vote moves the document forward as the board's draft for public review; the board will hold a public hearing on March 18 before finalizing any budget in April. Superintendent Dr. Sovine reviewed the adoption process and said staff and the board's advisory committees will continue review and outreach before tentative adoption.

Why it matters: board members and community speakers framed the vote as a choice about priorities and compliance. Opponents said eliminating the named equity position reduces district capacity to oversee equity work and leaves responsibilities dispersed among other staff; supporters said the duties described in the job profile are already performed across the district and that the board must reallocate limited funds to front-line classroom needs.

Discussion and objection

A board member who opposed the draft described the change as deliberate and ideological, saying the budget "removes the supervisor of equity and excellence position" and charging that the cut was not about efficiency. That speaker added, "I refuse to support a budget that prioritizes ideology over compliance with the law and the needs of our students." The board member's remarks came before a broader exchange in which other members said existing policies and staff responsibilities would continue to ensure equity-focused work.

Superintendent Dr. Sovine told the board the draft budget is the next stage of the budget process and described the steps that follow if the board adopts the draft: staff will work with the budget advocacy and review committee, hold the public hearing on March 18, and consider tentative adoption in April. He also flagged that certain state-level changes to the "Blueprint for Maryland's Future" and the governor's proposed amendments could affect local revenues and require the board to monitor state action closely.

Vote and immediate outcome

Motion: adopt the superintendent's FY2026 recommended general fund budget as the Board of Education's FY2026 draft general fund budget.

Vote tally: yes 5; no 4. Outcome: approved (draft adopted).

What the board and public said

Supporters said the board must balance many competing needs across the district and that reassigning duties is a way to preserve core services. Some members emphasized funding shortfalls at the state level and the difficulty of meeting every request within available resources.

Opponents framed the cut to the supervisor role as removing a point of accountability. Community speakers during public comment, including faith leaders and parents, urged the board to restore the position or otherwise ensure that equity work would be resourced and monitored.

Next steps

The board's adoption tonight was for the draft budget only. Staff will continue budget advocacy committee review and return the draft for a public hearing March 18 and tentative adoption in April. Any material changes proposed by the state during the legislative session could affect final local revenues and the board's final decisions.

Ending

Board members and members of the public emphasized both the need to support teachers and frontline staff and the need to ensure district compliance with state equity expectations. The draft now goes to further committee review and a March public hearing before a tentative April adoption.