Dr. Jerry D. Weast, Superintendent of Schools

Statements

Patricia B. O'Neill, president, Board of Education:

"The capital budget proposed by Mr. Duncan represents the highest level of funding ever proposed for the Montgomery County Public Schools by a county executive, and I welcome his energetic support for the Board of Education's request for additional classrooms and modernized schools to address our growing enrollment.

"We will continue to move forward in pressing for the all of the Board's requested budget in our recommendations to the Montgomery County Council, including the need for additional elementary gyms and accelerated technology implementation for elementary schools."

Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent of schools:

"Clearly, the county executive has responded with the full amount possible under the restrictions imposed by the spending affordability limitations. His request for at least $50 million in state aid each year for the next six years is excellent."

Background

The County Executive's budget recommendation of $137 million for Fiscal Year 2001 reflects 95 percent of the Board's funding request ($144 million). He recommended $619.8 million for the six-year capital improvements program, approximately 92 percent of the Board's request ($670.7 million). This high level of funding would permit all of the modernization and additional capacity initiatives proposed by the Board of Education for the next six years, as well as other smaller initiatives.