County commissioners signal support for St. Mary's County Public Schools' $145.8 million budget request

Agency official (S2) told the work session the district submitted a request to the county commissioners for $145,800,000 — an increase of $8,400,000 — and that "the county commissioners are fully in support of that, and we'll be bringing that forward to public hearing."

That, S2 said, would allow St. Mary's County Public Schools to "fully fund the negotiated agreement," a central budget priority for the district this year. S2 cautioned, however, that the district is still monitoring several cost pressures, including fuel, utility and health insurance costs, and possible changes at the state level that could affect the final budget.

S2 described a recent Department of Legislative Services recommendation to the Budget and Tax Committee that would have capped the special-education per-pupil allocation growth at 5% (which S2 said would have reduced district funding by about $1,000,000) and would have limited pre-K increases over two years (which S2 said would have cut roughly $700,000). "Neither one of those were supported in the senate," S2 added. S2 also said the change moving pre-K to Tier 2 (at a 450% income threshold) reduced the district's projected revenue by about $53,000.

Board members said the prospect of county support brings relief. "That's really wonderful," Committee member (S3) said, praising Commissioner Hewitt and the commissioners for backing the request. S3 called the district's record of negotiating and meeting terms across multiple agreements "an unprecedented and historic accomplishment for St. Mary's County Public Schools," and said consistent, predictable funding helps staff plan for salaries and supports recruitment and classroom stability.

S2 also reported a specific budget adjustment tied to a board decision on redistricting: the transportation budget will need an additional $260,000 next year because of the redrawn routes and assignments.

The board did not take a vote during the work session. According to S2, the county commissioners' stated support will be placed on a public hearing agenda and then advance to the formal budget hearing process. Chair (S1) closed the session and reminded members the next board meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2026, with an 8 a.m. executive session and a 9 a.m. open session.

Notes: The account is drawn from remarks in the work session; no formal motions or votes on the district budget were recorded in the transcript.