June 24, 2019
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Focusing on student supports and employee compensation, the Prince George’s County Board of Education unanimously approved Thursday the $2.18 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY 2020).
Then-Interim Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson released the proposed budget in December with a focus on improving employee compensation, reducing class sizes and enhancing school safety. In February, the Board adopted an amended spending proposal, adding $10.6 million to increase student mental health and behavioral support initiatives.
“The collaborative work of the Board in unanimously approving the budget took into account the broad input from the community and observed that we should celebrate our efforts to approve a student-centered budget, but not lose sight of our duty to continue advocating for adequate and equitable educational resources for our children,” said Dr. Alvin Thornton, Board Chair. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to “a fiscal and operational framework that is child-centered and based on excellence, equity and adequacy.”
“This budget invests in key strategic focus areas that move Prince George’s County Public Schools forward,” said Dr. Goldson. “I look forward to continued collaboration with the Board of Education as we advocate for additional funds to support every student who enters our schoolhouse doors.”
The budget framework is anchored by strategic focus area investments — academic excellence, high-performing workforce, safe and supportive environments, family and community engagement, and organizational effectiveness — in support of the Blueprint for PGCPS to fund the state Kirwan Commission goals, known as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
As part of the approved budget, the Board of Education endorsed Dr. Goldson’s $53 million Blueprint plan to enhance and improve the educational experience across Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). In addition to teacher compensation, the Blueprint seeks to expand prekindergarten programs and “wraparound" school services, such as additional social workers and counselors, extended learning time and other student supports.
The FY 2020 budget includes $1.23 billion in state funds, $786 million from the county, $124 million from the federal government and $16 million from Board sources.
The budget also supports the restoration of employee salary steps, anticipated enrollment growth and a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Evening High School program. In addition, the budget corrects historically underfunded spending, such as employee overtime, and adds five school psychologists.
Although the approved budget is $46 million less than the Board’s requested budget, the new spending plan is $135.4 million higher than the FY 2019 budget, which reflects the infusion of Kirwan funds. Most of the budget gap was offset through the additional Kirwan funds and the phase-in of some planned 2019-20 initiatives across multiple years.
For additional information, visit www.pgcps.com/budget.
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