Focusing on “equity and excellence,” the county Board of Education on Tuesday adopted its operating budget for the next fiscal year, adding last-minute money to fund support for students with reading challenges, after-school programs, elementary school counselors and adapted physical education classes.
The $2.66 billion budget represents a roughly 2.5 percent increase from the previous year, and includes $735 million in state aid, nearly $20 million more than the school system expected to receive.
In all, the budget includes funds for about 125 new positions.
On the back of a proposal by at-large board member Jeanette Dixon, the school board added about $159,000 for one full-time position to help identify and assist county students who struggle with reading difficulties such as dyslexia.
“Certainly, reading is, I think, one of life’s greatest pleasures and something we really want all of our students to be able to do,” Dixon said. “These students are very bright and usually very verbal, but this presents a significant challenge in learning and … we need to make a commitment to having all of our students ready to read at or above grade level in our county.”
At recent school board meetings, students and community members have said a lack of adequate support for students with dyslexia leads to depression and social isolation.
An amendment presented by District 2 board member Rebecca Smondrowski received unanimous approval and added $50,000 to the budget to support implementation of after-school programs at middle and high schools.
Schools would be able to apply for grants from the school system, and priority will be given to middle schools. In a separate amendment, District 5 board member Brenda Wolff received unanimous support for an additional $50,000 for after-school programs at high-need elementary schools.
With little fanfare, school board members also reinstated a proposed cut to a staff position that provides specialized physical education for students with disabilities. The position is vacant, according to school district staff.
“I think we need to be sure we’re providing equitable access for all students, and I’m going to leave it at that,” said board President Shebra Evans, who proposed the amendment.
Community members spoke out at recent public forums saying the position is critical to providing students with disabilities the opportunity to participate in classes alongside their peers.
About 65 percent — $1.7 billion — of the school system is funded by Montgomery County and the state contributes 27 percent, with the rest from the federal government and other sources.
About half of the budget — $1.2 billion — funds employee salaries and benefits.
The budget will be considered by the County Council and County Executive Marc Elrich before final adoption of the budget occurs in mid-June by Elrich and the Council.
Other highlights of the budget include:
• The school board added $183,120 for one budget and audit analyst position for the Board of Education office.
• An amendment from Dixon added $416,802 for six part-time elementary school counselors and one from Wolff added about $159,000 for one English as a Second Language instructional specialist in central offices.
• District 1 board member Judy Docca added $138,934 for one secondary school counselor to support English language learners.
• The school system saved $25 million from the current budget to move into the next budget, as requested by Elrich.
• An increase of 124 full-time positions, totaling $9 million, to be distributed across the school system in various roles. The increase in staffing is largely to support ballooning enrollment. Student enrollment has jumped from 142,000 to 163,000 students since 2009. Included are 53 positions to reduce elementary class size and 44 for special education classes and programs.
• Programs to support English language learners, totaling $1.4 million.
Caitlynn Peetz can be reached at caitlynn.peetz@moco360.media
