Board approves FY25–26 budget, multi‑year contracts and facility plan at June 18 work session

The Queen Anne's County Board of Education on June 18 approved a set of budget and contract items at its budget work session, including adoption of the FY25–26 operating budget, approval of a five‑year PowerSchool contract for a suite of 11 products, renewal of a three‑year Discovery Education social studies subscription, submission of the 2025 Educational Facilities Master Plan to the state and a construction contract for stormwater and asphalt repairs at Kennard Elementary.

Rob Watkins, supervisor of finance, presented the FY25–26 balanced budget, saying projected revenue increases total nearly $9.1 million driven in large part by a $7.6 million local contribution above maintenance of effort from the county commissioners. Watkins reported the district’s current budget at roughly $118 million and the proposed FY26 budget at approximately $127.5 million; he noted the final state funding file had not yet been released and numbers remain subject to change.

On procurement and contracts, Watkins described a negotiated five‑year PowerSchool agreement intended to replace a year‑to‑year arrangement. He said the five‑year package carries a total five‑year impact of about $2,486,987, with a next‑year impact of $459,165 and an estimated five‑year savings of $372,706 compared with prior increases. The board voted to approve the five‑year contract.

Darren Guido, supervisor of social studies, asked the board to approve a three‑year renewal for Discovery Education’s social‑studies tech book for middle schools at a cost of $52,135.50 from operational funds; the board approved the renewal.

Darryl Bridal, supervisor of facilities and design, presented the 2025 Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP). He said the district posted the draft for public comment, corrected typographical comments raised by the public and incorporated a board president’s suggestion to move a Fox Farms entry to District 1. Bridal said the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Maryland Department of Planning had returned approvals for the EFMP and, with board approval, the district would submit the plan to the state to meet the July 1 deadline. The board approved submission of the EFMP.

On capital repairs, Bridal described a persistent sinkhole on the north side of Kennard Elementary and said the district received five prequalified bids. Martin's Excavation and Hauling LLC (Centerville) submitted the lowest responsive bid at $98,000; Bridal said the district would encumber a 15% contingency for a total encumbered amount of $112,700. The board approved the contract award to Martin's by voice vote.

A short "votes at a glance" summary of the work session's formal actions follows.

Votes at a glance

- Agenda (06/18/2025): approved (voice vote). - Human resources report: approved (voice vote). - Queen Anne's County FFA overnight field trip to Maryland FFA state convention, Garrett County: approved; fiscal impact: none reported. - Discovery Education social studies subscription (3‑year renewal): approved; fiscal impact: $52,135.50 (operational funds). - PowerSchool five‑year contract (11 products): approved; five‑year impact $2,486,987; next‑year impact $459,165; projected 5‑year savings $372,706. - FY25–26 Queen Anne's County Public Schools budget: approved; proposed budget approx. $127.5 million; county local increase ~ $7.6 million above maintenance of effort. - FY26 food‑service budget: approved (see separate article for details); staff will use fund balance to offset FY25 shortfall and provide updates. - 2025 Educational Facilities Master Plan: approved for submission to state (meets July 1 deadline). - Construction contract award for Kennard Elementary stormwater and asphalt repairs to Martin's Excavation and Hauling LLC: approved; bid $98,000; encumbered amount with 15% contingency $112,700.

The board adjourned and confirmed the next meeting for July 2 at 6 p.m.