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Board Approves FY16 Operating and Capital Budgets

May 27th, 2015

Infographic of HCPSS Salary Increases

The Howard County Board of Education adopted its Operating Budget for the 2015-2016 school year (FY16) during its meeting on May 27. The budget totals $776.3 million, which fully funds the Board’s total budget request of the County and represents approximately $3 million in county funding above the required Maintenance of Effort funding. It represents $544.1 million in county funding, $222.3 million from the state, and $9.9 million from federal and other sources.

The budget includes $11.5 million of funding for salary increases. These include a half step increase for all staff, plus a cash payment equivalent to a half step increase. Both will be reflected in the first paycheck in July.

The budget also includes $3.1 million for new educators needed to serve a significant increase in enrollment expected next year. Costs associated with rising enrollment are not covered by Maintenance of Effort, which is the amount that the county is required by State law to fund, based on prior year enrollment.

The Board also adopted a FY16 Capital Budget totaling $67.5 million. The budget includes funding for a replacement Wilde Lake Middle School, which will be the first net zero energy school facility in Maryland when it opens in August 2017; renovations to Patuxent Valley Middle School, also scheduled for completion by August 2017; renovations and an addition to Waverly Elementary School, to be completed by August 2018; and a new elementary school, adjacent to Thomas Viaduct Middle School, which is slated to open in August 2018.

“Our FY16 operating and capital budgets provide the funding needed to sustain our educational excellence and continue our progress toward the world class instructional program envisioned in Vision 2018,” said Dr. Janet Siddiqui, Board chairman. “Despite a challenging budget climate, I am pleased that we have the resources needed to support all students, including those with greatest need, and provide full access to educational opportunity for all.”