The Montgomery County Board of Education on Tuesday (June 11) adopted a $2.68 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. The budget represents a $80.1 million increase over the current fiscal year budget. The budget will allow Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to manage growth, maintain high levels of achievement, and eliminate opportunity gaps.

[Read the June 11 memo from Superintendent Jack Smith on the FY 20 Operating Budget]

“This budget will better position our district to support student success, expand access and opportunity, close the achievement gap, and prepare all students to thrive,” said Board President Shebra Evans. “We are confident that this investment in our schools, students and staff will yield strong results for our community and we want to thank County Executive Mark Elrich, County Council President Nancy Navarro, and the entire County Council for its unwavering commitment to the students of Montgomery County Public Schools.”

A majority of the $80.1 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 $19.5 million in funding and 181.650 positions to  strengthen the district’s efforts to improve programs; increase access to strong academic and career opportunities; extend learning; provide language opportunities; focus on physical, social and psychological well-being; hire and retain an effective and diverse workforce; and strengthen operational excellence. This includes:

• Reducing class size
• Implementing extended year programming at two elementary schools
• Expanding dual-enrollment opportunities for students at Montgomery College
• Providing alternative pathways for graduation
• Adding leadership positions in schools
• Providing differentiated and program support to special education and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students
• Expanding prekindergarten programs
• Adding programs and support staff for student physical, social and psychological well-being
• Expanding the Summer RISE career exploration program for students
• Strengthening school safety and student security initiatives
• Expanding career pathways and professional opportunities for employees
• Adding technology improvements to support expansion of professional development platforms and support for schools

The budget also included efficiencies and other reductions totaling $1,672,699 and 8.125 positions.

Learn more about the Operating Budget