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Howard County superintendent proposes $1.278 billion FY2027 operating budget focused on special education, multilingual supports and staff compensation
Summary
Superintendent Mr Barnes presented a proposed FY2027 operating budget of $1,278,000,000 that would add targeted investments in special education, pre‑K expansion, multilingual services and staff pay while repurposing some paraeducator and specialist roles; the proposal will be reviewed in public work sessions beginning Jan. 15.
Mr Barnes, superintendent, presented the Howard County Public School System's proposed fiscal 2027 operating budget on Thursday, asking the Board of Education to prioritize investments tied to the district's five strategic plan priorities while acknowledging fiscal constraints and declining enrollment. "The proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget is $1,278,000,000, which reflects a $61,900,000, or 5.1% increase above the fiscal year 2026 budget," he told the board.
The proposal frames the budget as a strategic tool to improve student outcomes rather than a line‑by‑line holdover. Mr Barnes said the plan directs $75.5 million in new investments toward the district's priorities, but he warned that county and state funding may not cover the full request. He also described a net reduction of four positions overall, citing enrollment declines and targeted reallocations.
Key investments include expanding services for students with disabilities and for young learners: Priority 1 packages $12.2 million…
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