The Montgomery County Board of Education on Tuesday (June 12) unanimously adopted a $2.60 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. The budget represents a $77.2 million increase over the current fiscal year. This will allow the district to manage growth and make investments in critical areas to ensure all Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students are achieving at high levels.

[Read the June 12 memo from Superintendent Jack R. Smith on the FY 2019 Operating Budget.]

“This budget will help ensure that MCPS students are provided with the resources and opportunities needed to meet their full potential,” said Board President Michael Durso. “As the district works toward improved educational outcomes for all students, this budget positions MCPS for success in fulfilling its core purpose of preparing all students to thrive. We thank County Executive Isiah Leggett, County Council President Hans Riemer, and the entire County Council for its unwavering commitment to the students of Montgomery County Public Schools.”

A majority of the $77.2 million spending increase will be used to maintain services for a growing number of students; ensure operational excellence and invest in strategic priorities.

The budget includes $17.1 million and 201.96 additional teacher and staff positions to support a projected enrollment increase of 1,882 students. In addition, MCPS is also adding more space, including the opening of Bayard Rustin Elementary School in September 2018, as part of the budget increase.

The budget includes $16.1 million and 20.4 positions to expand programs and key areas of work, including:

• Introducing new career readiness pathways, including Aviation and Aerospace; Cybersecurity; Fire Safety and Rescue; Law Enforcement and Leadership
• Adding more two-way elementary language immersion programs
• Expanding programs in Computer Science, Coding and Robotics
• Implementing extended-year programs at two elementary schools beginning July 2019
• Launching a Recovery Education program
• Expanding the College Tracks and Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) programs
• Expanding Middle and Early College programs

Learn more about the Operating Budget