Superintendent proposes about $303.2 million FY2027 budget, asks county for $6.7 million boost
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Summary
Calvert County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Newsom presented a proposed FY2027 operating budget of roughly $303.2 million, outlined organizational changes recommended by an efficiency assessment and signaled a requested $6.7 million increase in county appropriations; no formal vote was taken.
Dr. Newsom, superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools, on Monday presented the proposed FY2027 operating budget and an efficiency assessment that would reorganize district leadership and shift how some services are contracted.
The superintendent said the proposed operating budget is about $303.2 million and that the district expects the county to remain the largest revenue source. He outlined revenue figures cited in the presentation: county appropriations, state aid and small local and federal shares, and said the district plans to lean more on fund balance than in prior years as state support stabilizes. Dr. Newsom said the administration will request a $6.7 million increase in county appropriations for FY2027.
The presentation highlighted implementation of the state “blueprint” mandate and named areas for academic improvement, including mathematics and outcomes for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. Dr. Newsom said the district is focusing on early childhood access, career pathways and college readiness while aligning resources with strategic priorities.
An external efficiency assessment summarized in the presentation recommends an organizational reconfiguration — including deputy superintendent roles for schools and for operations, a director of communications and executive directors focused separately on elementary and secondary schools — that the assessment said would require about nine new FTEs while eliminating 13.5 non‑instructional positions over time through attrition. The superintendent said the proposal could lead to administrative savings and increased responsiveness but acknowledged the changes would require careful implementation and some upfront investment.
On operational savings, Dr. Newsom relayed that public works estimated more than $12 million in potential transportation and IT savings over three years; he said his team considers a more conservative figure closer to $6 million more likely, and that most savings would come from refocusing contracts rather than broad staff reductions.
Dr. Newsom compared Calvert County to neighboring Southern Maryland districts and noted Calvert’s relatively high wealth per pupil as a positive metric, while also pointing out that other districts have on-site legal counsel and internal auditors the county currently does not.
The board and superintendent outlined the approval calendar: the efficiency assessment will be presented Feb. 12, a public meeting is scheduled Feb. 20, the board is expected to consider tentative approval on Feb. 26, and, after the county acts on its budget in June, a final board adoption will follow.
Dr. Newsom closed by thanking staff members named in the presentation, including Scott Johnson, project manager Joanne Cox (who will present the full efficiency report on Feb. 12) and Ms. Jacobs. No motion or formal vote on the budget occurred at the meeting; board members said there will be time for public comment and further board review in February.
