July 1, 2021
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD — The Prince George’s County Board of Education has approved a $2.7 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2022 with a focus on academic achievement and student success in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS).
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson released the proposed budget in December with a focus on bridging three major divides: statewide funding shortfalls and inequities; resource and achievement gaps within schools; and an operating budget deficit. In February, the Board unanimously adopted the budget, which after receiving final state and county revenue allocations revealed an operating budget deficit of $45.9 million. Dr. Goldson presented recommendations for reconciliation in June, which the Board supported with no amendments.
“This is a student-centered budget that invests in key strategic focus areas to move our school system forward,” said Dr. Goldson. “As we work together to support students in rebounding from a challenging school year, I look forward to continued collaboration with the Board of Education and our state and county partners.”
The budget framework is anchored by strategic focus area investments — systemic expansion of mental health services; extended learning opportunities to help bridge achievement gaps for students in the most need of supports; a comprehensive plan to counteract COVID-19 learning loss; a sustainability program to support one-to-one student technology; and full funding of the the negotiated agreements with all labor partners to improve the regional competitiveness of salary and benefits packages.
The budget also includes state Kirwan funds and federal COVID-19 resources: a $122.2 million Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) grant and $274.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding to address student learning loss, building air quality and safety and mental health supports.
The Board of Education held two public budget hearings and two public work sessions as part of the adoption and submission of its budget request. The FY 2022 budget includes $1.28 billion in state funds, $816.9 million from the county, $574.3 million from the federal government and $18.2 million from Board sources.
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