PGCPS board withdraws many budget amendments after administration narrows deficit

The Prince George's County Board of Education on Feb. 27 withdrew multiple board-proposed budget amendments after district officials presented updated revenue and savings estimates that substantially reduced the system's shortfall.

Superintendent House and Chief Financial Officer Lisa Howe told the board that a certified increase in student counts and refined budget assumptions produced roughly $19 million in additional revenue and cut the projected deficit. CFO Lisa Howe said that after accounting for partial-year ERP costs, corrected retirement contribution estimates (saving about $7 million) and revised discretionary spending assumptions (about $2.3 million), the remaining gap was approximately $18.3 million to be closed through ongoing budget work and negotiations.

The administration’s presentation prompted several board members to withdraw or rescind amendments. Doctor Moss told the public the board had proposed roughly $3 million in cuts earlier but, following the administration’s adjustments, he said he no longer believed some board amendments were necessary and withdrew two amendments that would have reflected about $1.3 million in cuts. Board member Walker said she would withdraw a proposed 10% central discretionary reduction in light of the administration’s savings. Other members confirmed withdrawals of amendments tied to Office of Integrity and Compliance funding and a renaming/renovation amendment after the administration and board agreed to coordinate a multiyear approach.

Public commenters had urged caution. Multiple speakers during the public-comment period criticized the introduction of amendments while the district faces a large deficit, raising specific figures for proposed renaming and liaison positions that they said would add millions to the budget.

CFO Howe cautioned that the district still faces uncertainties: school-level budgeting beginning in March–April, grant finalizations, pending labor negotiations and potential changes from state and county budget processes. She emphasized the need for targeted rather than blanket central-office reductions to avoid unintended school impacts.

Next steps include completing school budgeting, finalizing grant assumptions and concluding labor negotiations; the board and administration said they will continue to refine assumptions and track remaining risks as they prepare a balanced FY26 budget.