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City Schools report routine Q1 cash flow; state and city remain primary revenue sources
Summary
Baltimore City Public Schools reported normal first‑quarter revenue and encumbrance patterns driven by school calendar timing, with state funding at about 72% and city funding about 26% of the district's general fund; officials see no immediate cause for alarm.
Courtney Desabay, executive director of financial systems for Baltimore City Public Schools, briefed the Budget & Appropriations Committee on the school system’s first‑quarter financials. Desabay said the district's revenue mix remains roughly 72% from the State of Maryland and about 26% from the City of Baltimore and that first‑quarter results largely reflect the academic calendar: many position costs are 10‑month salaries and do not fully appear in July and August expenditures.
Desabay said much federal revenue is reimbursement‑based, producing higher percentages earlier in the year for some funds, and noted that the district pre‑encumbers transportation and plant expenses — which explains lower apparent spending in other categories. She reported no anomalies requiring immediate corrective action and said, so far, total revenues exceed expenditures for the quarter.
Vice President Sharon Green Middleton asked whether the system coordinates with the Office of Children and Family Success on services for homeless students; Desabay said special education and transportation categories capture much of that impact and the teams coordinate frequently.
No follow‑up actions were taken in the hearing other than committee thanks for the presentation and encouragement to continue coordination with city service offices.
