Allegany County board adopts FY‑27 draft budget priorities after state aid briefing
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Summary
After a presentation of draft state aid numbers showing nearly a $5 million projected increase, the Allegany County Board of Education unanimously adopted its FY‑27 draft budget priorities, emphasizing staffing, special education, and implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
The Allegany County Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously adopted its fiscal year 2027 draft budget priorities after hearing a state aid overview and line‑item considerations from district staff.
Mister McKenzie, who presented the draft priorities, told the board the packet highlights staffing and compensation, employee health care, instructional programs (reading and math), summer and credit‑recovery programs, and supports for social‑emotional and mental health needs. "We are looking at an increase of almost $5,000,000 from the state," he said, while stressing the numbers are draft projections based on current law and subject to change during the legislative session.
McKenzie outlined the main state aid categories that feed the draft priorities: foundation programs, transportation (including additional funds for students with special needs), compensatory education (formerly free and reduced‑price meals), multilingual learner funding, special education, a guaranteed tax base allocation and several Blueprint for Maryland’s Future grants. He noted the district participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which provides universal school breakfast and lunch for students.
The presenter also reviewed local enrollment trends and wealth calculations that affect state aid. He said the district saw a net decline of about 40 students (about 0.52 percent) this year, while special education enrollment increased by 40 students to 1,502—about 20 percent of the district’s enrollment. McKenzie warned that some portions of a state aid increase are restricted to specific uses and cannot be moved freely across the budget.
Mister Green moved to adopt the FY‑27 draft budget priorities as the board’s official priorities; Doctor Bohn seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The board said the draft priorities will guide staff as they develop the FY‑27 budget. No final appropriations were approved at the meeting; the adopted priorities are guidance for the coming budget cycle and remain subject to state aid finalization and collective bargaining outcomes.
