An unnamed superintendent presented a $1.9 billion operating budget recommendation to the Anne Arundel County Public Schools board, urging the board to prioritize staff as the district navigates declining enrollment and rising costs. The superintendent said the proposal represents a $116,000,000 increase over the current budget and includes 205.3 positions, with 49% of the increase (about $56,600,000) earmarked for compensation and benefits.

“This recommendation does not lay off a single employee,” the superintendent said, repeating the assurance to board members and the public. He described the approach as ‘‘people over programs,’’ saying the district cut 75% of program enhancement requests to preserve staff jobs and core services.

The superintendent framed the recommendation against a backdrop of fiscal pressures: county enrollment declined by 771 students this year and inflationary costs are increasing operating expenses. He cited an estimate that electricity costs will rise by $1,600,000 next year and noted the district has already achieved pay enhancements totaling 18% over the last three budgets, which contributed to retention rates he described as near 96% for instructional staff.

Compensation details in the recommendation include nearly $2,700,000 for national board certification stipends and more than $510,000 for pay increases for temporary support assistants (TSAs) who work with students with disabilities. The superintendent also proposed a step or step‑equivalent increase for eligible employees and a 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment for all employees.

The superintendent characterized the proposal as a sustainable, cautious plan that protects employees while focusing limited resources on those who interact with students daily. He asked the board to consider the recommendation in its upcoming deliberations; the presentation represented a proposal, not a final board vote.