Statement: SEIU Local 500, MCEA, and MCAAP/MCBOA Applauds Education and Culture’s Recommendation to Restore Funding for MCPS

Last week, the Montgomery County Education & Culture (EC) Committee unanimously recommended restoring $49.5 million in funding to the district’s fiscal year 2025 budget. SEIU Local 500, MCEA, and MCAAP/MCBOA have released a statement strongly supporting EC’s recommendation as a solution to secure the funding needed to preserve the district’s ability to provide high-quality learning experiences for students and district-wide staffing needs.  “This welcome development comes on the heels of County Executive Marc Erlich’s egregious proposal to cut $55.7 million from the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) budget.” Full statement below:

“The proposed funding cut would exacerbate existing staffing shortages and increase turnover, making it challenging to provide students with consistent learning experiences and adequate academic and operational support. The added pressure on remaining staff would compromise the overall quality of education and further burden an already stretched workforce.

“Support staff workers and students deserve better,” said Pia Morrison, president of SEIU Local 500. “Consistency in support staff remains a challenge for MCPS with hundreds of vacant positions unfilled and high turnover in positions that support students with special needs.” MCEA President Jennifer Martin added, “The Board of Education’s request represents a hold-steady budget. It provides the minimum funding required to attract and retain the highly qualified educators our students need and deserve. We’re looking to the council to be champions for our children.”

Dr. Christine Handy shared, “We must recognize that the quality of our schools directly impacts our community’s future prosperity. Investing in our schools is not just about education; it’s an investment in Montgomery County’s future. Great schools attract families and encourage economic growth by attracting businesses seeking a skilled workforce. The county council’s decision on school funding is a decision for our community’s future and I know how much they care about Montgomery County.”

SEIU Local 500, MCEA, and MCAAP/MCBOA are grateful to council members Jawando, Mink, and Albornoz for recognizing our dedicated staff at MCPS during the proclamations for Education Appreciation Week. Their acknowledgment underscores the vital role our members play in ensuring the success of students and schools.

Appreciation is so much more than words, which is why SEIU Local 500, MCEA, and MCAAP/MCBOA call on the full council to fully fund the schools and vote to restore the $49.5 million in funding to the 2025 budget. Real appreciation means providing the resources for our schools to thrive.

With the Committee’s recommendation now moving to the Montgomery County Council to decide the appropriate funding levels for MCPS, SEIU Local 500, MCEA, and MCAAP / MCBOA call on the Council to secure the necessary funding and protect MCPS from the harmful effects of these proposed budget cuts.”