Grant sunsets and proposed cuts could cost St. Mary’s County several social worker positions

District staff told the board that pandemic-era grants that had funded additional social workers are expiring and that a state-level reduction in a STOP grant could further reduce positions.

The presenter said the Stronger Connections grant was a definitive three-year grant that is now sunsetting and that this affected six positions. "Following the pandemic, we were able to apply for the stronger connections grant. It sunsets after 3 years. That impacted 6 positions," the presenter said. The presenter added that there were seven positions in the current budget, one unfilled and one nursing position moved to the unrestricted fund, and that the district had identified other needs and roles (social-emotional learning coaches and community school coordinators) that might allow some staff to continue employment.

Separately, staff said they were notified on the previous Friday of an anticipated reduction in funding for the STOP grant administered through the health department and the state, which could reduce funding for an estimated three social worker positions. "That may end up being a reduction of 3 additional social worker positions," the presenter said. A board member emphasized that federal and state pandemic-era funding for SEL and social workers was time-limited.

Staff said they would avoid proposing additions to the general fund absent additional revenues, emphasizing a priority to protect classroom instruction amidst declining enrollment.

The board did not take immediate action in the session; staff said the budget would be considered at the board's next meeting.