Montgomery County Public Schools says program and position reductions are still expected despite the Montgomery County Council approving additional funding for the district’s operating budget on Thursday. A video by MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor can be seen below.
In a statement released following the vote, MCPS said the decision provides “much needed clarity” regarding school system funding after weeks of uncertainty and discussions surrounding potential deep cuts.
The district thanked the County Council for identifying ways to increase funding during what it described as difficult fiscal conditions, while also warning that the approved funding package relies on one-time financial measures that could create future budget challenges.
“Today’s County Council vote provides much needed clarity regarding funding for our district,” MCPS said in the statement. “We appreciate the Council’s efforts in difficult fiscal conditions to identify options to increase funds for the MCPS Operating Budget. At the same time, it is important to note that this funding level relies on one-time financial measures. These choices will lead to future fiscal challenges that will need to be addressed.”
Earlier this week, MCPS informed staff that significant reductions were likely if additional funding was not approved. While the district indicated the final impact will not be as severe as originally feared, officials said cuts to programs and positions remain necessary.
“Our priority throughout this process is to keep these adjustments as far from the classroom as possible,” the statement continued. The MCPS Board of Education is scheduled to take final action on the operating budget on June 4.
The district also thanked students, families, staff, and community partners who advocated throughout the budget process, saying their efforts “made a difference in this process.”
