FY27 Operating Budget
The operating budget process is a collaborative, multi-step process involving HCPSS, the Board of Education and Howard County Government. Each step is outlined below. Accompanying links and documents will be added as they become available.
All dates and times are subject to change, and will be updated below as necessary.
Jump to: Superintendent’s Proposed | Board’s Requested | County Executive’s Proposed | Howard County Council’s Approved | Board’s Approved
January 2026
The Superintendent presents a proposed budget to the Board of Education for its consideration.
Superintendent’s Proposed Budget
Virtual Budget Presentation
January 8, 2026, 4 p.m.
January-March 2026
The Board of Education holds work sessions and public hearings to gather feedback on and revise the operating budget.
Board meetings, including work sessions and public hearings, may be viewed live or on-demand online, and during and after each meeting on Howard County Comcast channel 95 or Verizon channel 42.
Board of Education’s Requested Budget
Work Sessions
January 15, 2026, 7 p.m.
January 22, 2026, 1 p.m.
February 5, 2026, 1 p.m.
February 19, 2026, 1 p.m.
Public Hearings
January 29, 2026, 7 p.m.
February 9, 2026, 7 p.m.
Budget Deliberations
February 26, 2026, 7 p.m.
Board of Education Adopts Requested Budgets
March 4, 2026, 4:30 p.m.
Spring 2026
The Howard County Executive reviews the Board’s request and submits a proposed Howard County budget to the Howard County Council.
County Executive’s Proposed Budget
Spring 2026
The Howard County Council holds public hearings, implements revisions, and adopts a budget for the county that includes funding the school system.
Howard County Council’s Budget
April-May 2026
The Board holds additional work sessions and public hearings, as needed. Following that, the Board adopts a detailed school system budget, which serves as the final Approved Operating Budget.
Board of Education’s Approved Budget
Work Sessions
April 30, 2026, 7 p.m. (if needed)
Public Hearings
May 4, 2026, 7 p.m. (if needed)
Board of Education Adopts Final Budgets
May 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m.