In a move that will save about $27 million, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announced Monday a plan to cut 370 school-based positions, including 150 classroom teachers to help address a budget shortfall.
The cuts would increase class sizes at all schools, according to MCPS.
The plan is being put forth to address the possibility that the school system’s $2.39 billion budget request won’t be fully funded by the County Council. The county is facing an estimated shortfall of $140 million in income tax revenue and the possibility of losing a court case that could cost it $110 million in next year’s budget. The school system’s request is about $80 million above the minimum amount required by state law.
In addition, Gov. Larry Hogan has proposed a state budget that would result in an estimated $17 million in state aid being cut from the school system from the so-called geographic cost of education index (GCEI). MCPS estimates Hogan's recommended budget may result in up to $25 million being cut from state aid to the school system.
“While I am hopeful that the County Council will be able to fully fund our budget, we must prepare for the possibility that we will have to make additional reductions to our budget request,” said interim Superintendent Larry Bowers, in a statement. “We are taking this action now so that our schools and staff impacted by these changes can begin planning for next year.”
If the cuts are made the average class sizes at elementary schools would increase from 27 to 28 students in grades 1, 2, and 3; while class sizes in grades 4 and 5 would increase from 29 to 30 students. Middle and high school class sizes would increase by a half student at schools with a higher percentage of students eligible for free and reduced price meals and by a student at other schools.
In addition to the school-based positions, MCPS said another 40 central services staff would be cut.
