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Board adopts FY2027 budget after late state‑aid update; small reduction in state funding recorded
Summary
The board approved the FY2027 budget (presented in the meeting materials as about $306.1 million) and will forward it to the county commissioners. A late state-aid update reduced state funding by $129,040; the board adjusted planned instructional salary allocations and preserved planned uses of fund balance for retention and maintenance.
St. Mary's County Public Schools presented and the Board of Education approved the FY2027 recommended budget on May 20, following a multi-month budget development process and a late state‑aid update.
Finance staff explained that the version shown to the board incorporated a late state aid notice that reduced projected state funding by $129,040. The packet presented total revenues of roughly $306.1 million (an overall recurring increase the presentation described as about $7.9 million after the adjustment) with planned use of fund balance of $5 million. Staff highlighted categorical uses of fund balance, including $1.2 million for bus driver retention, $1 million for maintenance, $2 million for OPEB, and smaller changes in foundation, special education and compensatory education allocations tied to the state update.
Staff reminded the board of blueprint reporting responsibilities (MSDE/AIB policy changes) and said the district has made progress on meeting percentage allocations by school; the board was told that, systemwide, the district currently meets about 98% of the blueprint aggregation target though work remains at the school level.
After a board discussion that thanked county commissioner partners and staff for collaboration, the board approved the FY2027 budget and forwarded it to the county commissioners for review and approval. The transcript records one recorded opposition during the roll call. Finance staff said they will continue to monitor state aid and return with any necessary adjustments.
