Montgomery College trustees ask council to preserve affordability as enrollment rises

Gloria Aparicio Blackwell, chair of the Montgomery College Board of Trustees, told the Montgomery County Council the college needs the FY26 operating budget to remain affordable and to provide compensation adjustments to faculty and staff.

"With your support, MC will continue to unlock potential, transform lives, and fuel the workforce," Blackwell said, noting the college serves more than 45,000 students and has seen a 7% enrollment increase over the last year. She described the budget as structured to provide fair and reasonable compensation adjustments without requiring new county funds for those adjustments.

Trustees and college representatives framed Montgomery College as a local workforce anchor that helps residents obtain credentials, short‑term training and credit for prior work experience. Supporters asked the council to approve the college's FY26 operating request so the college can continue partnerships such as the East County Education Center and student services that support first‑time college attendees.

Why this matters: Montgomery College serves a large and growing student population in the county and provides workforce pipeline programs. Testimony emphasized both the scale of student need and the college’s role in local economic development.

The council has scheduled budget work sessions beginning April 9 (committees) and May 5 (full council) to review the executive’s recommendations for higher education funding alongside other county requests.

Ending: Trustees asked for the council's approval of the operating budget to keep Montgomery College affordable and able to provide compensation adjustments that college leaders said are necessary to retain staff and serve student demand.