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Superintendent George Hummer details FY27 budget priorities, capital projects and staffing plan
Summary
Superintendent George Hummer said recently approved carry‑forward funds will buy buses and fund HVAC replacements, outlined a five‑year pay‑scale plan in its third year, and listed major CIP projects with target openings through 2029. He invited the public to a Nov. 13 Joint CIP Work Session.
George Hummer, Superintendent, used the district’s “Scoop from the Supt.” program to provide a November update on the Frederick County Public Schools budget and capital plan.
Hummer said the Board of Supervisors recently approved carry‑forward funds that will allow the division to add buses to reduce double runs and improve on‑time instruction. "First, we're adding some additional buses," he said, adding that the purchase will mean "safer routes for our students, fewer double runs for our drivers and improving consistent on‑time instruction for our kids." He also said the funds will support replacing HVAC systems at Bass‑Hoover Elementary and Dowell J. Howard, calling the work an investment that "guarantees consistent comfort and reliable air quality."
The superintendent outlined the FY27 budget calendar: staff and family input begins in August, he will present a needs‑based budget to the School Board in January, and the process concludes in spring with both the School Board and the Board of Supervisors. Hummer noted the division gets about 60% of its revenue from the state and about 40% from the county and said officials are preparing for possible uncertainty because the state will set a biennium budget and a new governor takes office in January.
On staffing, Hummer said "85% of our operating budget is people; our teachers, our aides, our bus drivers, our nutritional staff." He described a five‑year plan to address pay‑scale compression that is now in its third year and said the district competes with neighboring divisions that often pay "roughly 20 to $30,000 more in pay," which contributes to turnover.
Hummer described capacity pressures across the division, noting the district's "ideal capacity" is 80–85% but that it is "currently running at about 100% capacity." To address growth he listed capital improvement projects and target openings: Jordan Springs Elementary expansion (target fall 2027), Middletown Elementary expansion (target fall 2028) and a fourth high school (target fall 2029).
He encouraged public participation in long‑range planning, announcing the annual Joint CIP Work Session with the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, November 13 at 6 p.m., to be open to the public and live streamed. He also said the division will hold CIP town halls at each of the three high schools plus a virtual option, and invited residents to join School Board advisory committees.
As a final note, Hummer reminded listeners that schools will be closed November 26–28 for the Thanksgiving holiday and closed the program by thanking the community for its support.
The superintendent did not announce specific dollar amounts for the carry‑forward funds or provide a detailed staff‑compensation schedule on the program; those details are expected in the formal FY27 budget presentations this winter.
