MCPS proposes new budget cuts

Written By:
Ebony Turner

Published:
Jan. 06 2010

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) have finally succumbed to the suffering times of the economy.
“The economic downturn is hitting Montgomery County and the state of Maryland with its full impact this year,” Superintendent of Schools Jerry D. Weast said. 
A drastic budget cut has been proposed for 2011 that affects all schools countywide and decreases the amount of programs and amenities previously available for schools. While the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2011 (FY 2011) will save the county $50 million, this could potentially affect the standards that our school systems have become accustomed to and make it harder for faculties and staff to adjust and work with such minimized resources.
Not only is the budget proposal molded to accommodate the economy, but it will accommodate the students.  MCPS also experienced a 10 percent increase in the number of students in the system receiving Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and are continuing to rise. The budget cut is designed to serve the needs of those students so that these services can be continued.
In the event that MCPS does not receive the local funding needed for the FY 2011, it is necessary for  significant reductions to be made, including cutting staffing of classroom teacher positions by 240, thus saving $15.4 million; and eliminating transportation for optional regular education programs (the magnet programs, IB, high school consortia, and outside normal attendance zones) which saves $4.9 million. Another major reduction outlined in the potential budget proposal is a decline in stipends and other expenses that support extracurricular activities, including athletics which saves $1 million.
While this budget cut is currently a proposal, it is important that the parents, staff and students are aware of the possibilities down the road.