Budget FY17: The Budget Process
Each fall, the school system develops priorities and begins to compile budget requests for the next fiscal year. These requests are submitted to the school system’s budget office and are reviewed by the Superintendent and other system leaders. The Superintendent submits a proposed budget to the Board of Education in January.
The Board holds public hearings and work sessions, then submits a budget request to the Howard County Executive in March. The County Executive may recommend changes to the education request before submitting a proposed budget to the County Council in April. The Board of Education may amend its budget request and the county government may consider the amendments before the budget is approved.
The County Council holds public hearings and makes changes to the County Executive’s budget. The council may reduce any portion of the executive’s budget and may also restore funding to the school system. Additional Board of Education meetings may be held during the latter part of the County Council’s budget review process to respond to last minute budget issues.
The County Council approves the county budget in late May. The Board of Education adopts the detailed school system budget by June 1.
FY 2017 Operating Budget Approval Schedule
January 7* – 4:00 p.m.
Superintendent presents budget.
February 2* – 7:00 p.m.
Public hearing on Superintendent’s Proposed Budget.
*Opportunity for public testimony
Work Session I – February 4 – 12:30 p.m.
Board of Education holds a public work session on the Superintendent’s Proposed Operating Budget.
Agenda:
- Revenue
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Administration (Programs 0105–1501)
Work Session II – February 10 – 1:00 p.m.
Board of Education holds a public work session on the Superintendent’s Proposed Operating Budget.
Agenda:
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Administration (Programs 1503–4401)
Work Session III – February 16 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Board of Education holds a public work session on the Superintendent’s Proposed Operating Budget.
Agenda:
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Administration (Programs 4701-9501)
- Special Education
- Student Services
- Health Services
- Organizational Support Services
Work Session IV – February 16 – 12:45 – 5:30 p.m.
Board of Education holds a public work session on the Superintendent’s Proposed Operating Budget.
Agenda:
- Operations
- Accountability
- Executive
- Other Funds
Work Session V – February 18 – 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Board of Education holds a public work session on the Superintendent’s Proposed Operating Budget.
Agenda:
- Unresolved issues and tentative budget decisions
- Capital Budget
February 23 – 9:00 a.m.
Board of Education adopts its Operating Budget Request for submission to the County Executive.
Agenda:
- Adoption of FY 2017 Operating & Capital Budgets
- Adoption of FY 2018–2022 Capital Improvement Program
By March 11 – 7:00 p.m.
Board of Education Operating Budget Request is submitted to the County Executive.
April 18 – 7:00 p.m.
The County Executive’s Proposed Operating Budget, which includes the Board of Education Operating Budget Request, is presented to the County Council of Howard County.
April 21* – 7:30 p.m.
Board of Education holds a public hearing on budget changes.
*Opportunity for public testimony
April 25* – 7:00 p.m.
County Council holds a public hearing on the Board of Education’s Requested Budget.
*Opportunity for public testimony
Work Session – April 28 – 7:00 p.m.
Board of Education holds a public work session on the Superintendent’s Proposed Operating Budget.
April 29 – 8:30 a.m.
County Council Budget work session.
May 12* – 7:30 p.m.
Board of Education public hearing on Operating Budget
*Opportunity for public testimony
May 18 – 8:30 a.m.
County Council budget work session.
May 19 – 7:30 p.m.
Board of Education holds a work session on budget changes. (if necessary)
May 23 – 8:30 a.m.
County Council holds a work session on budget amendments and pending issues.
May 26 – 10:30 a.m.
County Council approves budget.
May 31 – 8:00 a.m.
Rescheduled May 26 session. Board of Education holds a work session on the budget, followed by adoption of the budget approved by the County Council.