Parkland Magnet Middle School was the backdrop on Tuesday for an advocacy group pushing to narrow a gap in state education funding.
Montgomery County leaders have long been vocal in their belief the state overlooks the county’s public school system to provide funding elsewhere because the relatively wealthy county can offset fewer state dollars with local tax collections.
Montgomery County’s per-pupil spending was $16,499 in 2018, the fifth highest in Maryland, according to a report by the Maryland Association of Counties.
But the group, spearheaded by Delegate-elect Jared Solomon, a Democrat representing District 18 which includes Kensington, Chevy Chase, Wheaton and Silver Spring, hopes to bring lawmakers together to highlight what they believe is a prime example of what proper education funding can accomplish, and provide adequate funding for each of the state’s 24 public school districts.
Eight elected officials from Montgomery, Baltimore, Charles and Prince George’s counties toured Parkland in Rockville, home to 1,065 students in a specialized aerospace technology program, touted by the groups as a perfect example of the standard state schools should be striving to emulate.
Parkland introduces students to advanced science and math courses and strives to place students in a high-level science elective class by eighth grade.
“Working together, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fully fund our schools and meet the needs of all youth across the state,” Solomon said. “Rather than pitting jurisdictions against each other, we need to make sure the pie is big enough for everyone.”
The tour acted as a preface to the highly anticipated release of recommendations from the Commission on Excellence in Education, which has been looking at ways to expand access to early childhood education and fund teacher pay increases.
The commission, also known as the Kirwan Commission, has estimated its initial proposals would carry a $4.4 billion price tag over 10 years, but has yet to establish a funding formula to complement its recommendations.
Montgomery County Council President Nancy Navarro echoed Solomon, saying it would be a disservice to underfund one jurisdiction for the gain of another.
“As we continue to make strategic investments in economic development to bring opportunities to all corners of the county, it is critical that we continue to support programs … that equip our students with the technology and career-readiness skills needed to succeed in our global economy,” Navarro said.
