December 14, 2018
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
Priorities Include Employee Compensation, Class Size Reduction and School Safety
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Interim Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica E. Goldson has proposed a $2.1 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2020, prioritizing employee compensation, lower class size and school safety. The majority of budget investments will go toward developing a high-performing workforce, bolstered by the work of a new compensation task force seeking to make Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) competitive with surrounding jurisdictions.
“My goal is to make Prince George’s County a school system of choice in the region where employees know they are valued and well-compensated for excellent work,” said Dr. Goldson.
The budget framework is anchored by investments in the strategic plan focus areas: $25.3 million for academic excellence; $64.4 million to support a high-performing workforce; $6.8 million towards safe and supportive environments; $637,000 directed to family and community engagement; and $2 million for organizational effectiveness.
The budget proposal redirects $19.3 million from the central office to key school initiatives, including class-size reduction in kindergarten through third grades and student and staff safety.
The budget plan corrects historically underfunded spending areas: employee overtime ($8.6 million), compensation for instructional lead teachers working additional days ($800,000), summer school ($300,000) and classroom furniture ($300,000). The budget request also supports anticipated enrollment growth and critical programmatic investments while identifying efficiencies.
Immediately upon her appointment, Dr. Goldson reorganized the central office executive-level and managerial positions, redirecting $2.4 million to schools. The budget proposal continues this strategy to maximize funds and resources to students.
“If we support our educators and staff, they will meet the needs of our students,” said Dr. Goldson. “We will use additional resources in ways that improve the lives of the children we serve.”
Board of Education Budget Work Session meetings will be held Jan. 22 at Bowie High School, Jan. 29 at Fairmont Heights High School, and Feb. 5 at Friendly High School, all starting at 5 p.m. Public hearings will follow at 7 p.m. The Board is expected to adopt the budget request at its Feb. 21 meeting and submit the request to the County Executive for approval by March 1. The County Council will consider the budget for approval in May.
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