News Release: Equity and Excellence: CEO Proposes $2.6B Operating Budget

December 10, 2021
For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, MD - Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson unveiled a $2.6 billion proposed budget for fiscal year 2023 with a focus on educational and operational improvement for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) through transformation, equity and innovation. 

The FY 2023 Proposed Annual Operating Budget proposal reflects Board of Education budget priorities, supports the PGCPS Transformation 2026 Strategic Plan and addresses strategies for closing funding shortfalls based on the nearly 9,000-student gap in projected and actual enrollment.

“We are embarking on a new strategic plan to ensure a clear vision, aligned mission and excellence in education and equity for every student,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, Chief Executive Officer. “The proposed operating budget is designed to help us reach the outcomes we envision over the next five years.” 

The Strategic Plan includes five focus areas: Academic Innovation, Transformational Workforce, Organizational Learning Culture, Safe and Supportive Environments and Infrastructure and Operational Enhancements. Budget priorities for the 2022-2023 school year that support these priorities include:

• Maintain one-to-one student technology ($229.2 million)
• Expand and improve curriculum and instruction to Include increased personnel ($131.8 million)
• Expand professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Provide student mental health supports and resources ($140.4 million)
• Reduce class size and move to an equity-based funding formula for secondary schools ($5 million)
• Redesign the high school alternative program ($2.5 million)
• Increase funding and staffing for school maintenance and purchase additional cleaning equipment and contracted services ($1.4 million)

In addition to supporting the strategic plan, the proposed budget includes the following fiscal actions to close a $10.5 million budget gap:

• Reduce central office expenditures by $1.3 million;
• Redesign the alternative school program to ensure best practices, saving $2.5 million;
• Update projections for worker's compensation and unemployment costs to regain $1.3 million; and
• Use an additional $6.1 million of the fund balance.

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