MCPS proposes 5% FY2027 budget increase, warns of cuts amid 5,000‑student enrollment decline

Montgomery County Public Schools on Thursday presented the superintendent’s recommended FY2027 operating budget, proposing about a 5% increase — roughly $179.7 million — over the current year while signaling both targeted cuts and selective restorations tied to an enrollment decline.

Budget staff told the Board of Education the system is preparing cautiously: federal revenues are expected to decline by approximately $8.6 million, state funding is projected to be relatively flat, and local funding is assumed to cover about two‑thirds of the budget. Staff framed the proposal as a “needs‑based” plan that focuses on preserving instruction while trimming central office costs.

The recommendation reflects a central‑office reduction of about $11.5 million and the elimination of roughly 50 central positions, 19 of which result from reducing one cross‑functional team. Staff said those cuts affect central services, not direct school instructional positions, and that many roles budgeted centrally continue to work in schools.

Enrollment was a recurring theme: presenters said the budget projections reflect roughly 5,000 fewer students compared with FY26 figures and that applying existing staffing guidelines to the lower enrollment would yield a sizable reduction in FTEs and dollars. To protect classroom supports and staffing standards, the superintendent’s plan restores portions of those reductions; staff described the final package as a net staffing reduction tied to enrollment patterns and growing special‑education complexity.

Board members repeatedly urged caution about cuts that could weaken services to families and vulnerable students. Board President Grace Rivera Oven said family engagement specialists have served as a long‑standing linchpin for immigrant and high‑need families and cautioned that trimming those roles could erode trust and access to essential services.

Budget staff said they would provide more granular listings — including which federal programs are being shifted to local funds and the detailed position‑level changes — at subsequent work sessions and public hearings. The Board will hold public hearings on Jan. 15 and Jan. 27, with additional work sessions scheduled Jan. 20 and Jan. 29 and formal action planned for Feb. 19.