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Students and educators urge board to restore media specialists, science paraeducators in FY27 budget
Summary
During the Jan. 29 public hearing on the FY27 budget, students, teachers and community members warned proposed cuts to high‑school library media specialists and science paraeducators would reduce hands‑on learning, overload teachers, and create safety and equity risks.
Hundreds of residents and dozens of students and staff told the Howard County Board of Education during the Jan. 29 public hearing that proposed cuts to the superintendent’s FY27 operating budget risked student safety, hands‑on learning and access to vital services.
Student leaders and teachers focused on two central proposals in the superintendent’s plan: eliminating one certified library media specialist at every high school (replacing the position with a paraeducator focused on digital education) and cutting all 14 high‑school science paraeducator positions. At the hearing, students described clubs, research lessons and competitions that depend on two media specialists per high school; teachers said paraeducators and media specialists are integral to lab safety, curriculum delivery and…
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