Board of Education Approves FY17 Budget Request

February 23rd, 2016

The Howard County Board of Education today approved an Operating Budget Request for the 2016–2017 school year (FY17) totaling $856.4 million. The amount requested represents an increase of $17.8 million over the Superintendent’s budget request.

The $17.8 million increase reflects the Board’s commitment to providing a world-class educational program that meets the needs of an increasingly diverse student body, appropriately supports and compensates excellent teachers and staff, and sustains the success of a system that enjoys a national reputation for quality teaching and learning.

“This is more than a recovery budget. It is a commitment to our students and staff, and is what is needed to keep our community thriving,” said Board Chairman Christine O’Connor.

The funding earmarked for employee compensation was increased to a total of $26.8 million for negotiated salary increases, which represents the equivalent of a 1-step increase and a 2 percent cost of living increase for all staff members.

“I am pleased that the Board has approved the funding we need to sustain the quality teaching and learning that are synonymous with Howard County public schools,” said Dr. Renee A. Foose, Superintendent of the Howard County Public Schools System. “Every student deserves a world-class education, and we need top-notch teachers and staff to provide it.”

Funding was added to extend pre-K–Grade 5 world language instruction into additional schools, and expand full-day Pre-K for schools in the Oakland Mills community. These initiatives will build upon the success of the innovative Elementary School Model program.

The Board also added funding for nine new middle school technology teachers, which represents the initial phase of a two-year plan to provide a technology teacher in every county middle school. These staff members support students and classroom teachers in the effective use of technology to enhance learning and differentiate instruction.

A new Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion position was also added to the budget to ensure a diverse workforce, inclusive curriculum and culturally proficient staff.

The Board’s budget request represents an increase of nearly 10 percent in county funding for the school system over the prior budget year, which, while a significant single-year increase, will actually stabilize funding levels following many years of budget reductions and cost containment during lean economic times.

The Board will submit its budget request to Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman by mid-March.