February 27, 2024 Staff and Community Update: FY 2025 Operating Budget—Working Together to Fast Forward Student Achievement
WATCH THE BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO
Dear Team BCPS—
Tonight, the Board of Education of Baltimore County will vote on the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 operating budget. I proposed a $2.58 billion budget request in January following months of thoughtful planning and collaboration with Team BCPS staff, families, and stakeholders. As shared over the last several months, this was an incredibly challenging budget cycle for Team BCPS. Significant budget shortfalls required a fiscally responsible budget to meet the needs of 110,000 students and more than 20,000 staff in new and strategic ways. As a member of Team BCPS, I want to thank you for being an active part of this difficult process by sharing your ideas on budget priorities and key investments that will help us provide the greatest public education to every student. The proposed budget reflects our collective efforts, thoughts, and goals for BCPS. I am grateful for your continued support as we fast forward to meet the needs of all students and staff while keeping student learning at the core of our work.
Highlights from the proposed FY 2025 operating budget include:
- Reduced class sizes in Grades 3-5.
- Expansion of full-day PreK programs.
- Compensation enhancements for all staff.
- Special education Individualized Education Program (IEP) chairpersons in elementary schools.
- Elementary math lead teachers pilot.
- Additional special education, ESOL, staff development, and special area teachers.
- New English Language Learner (ELL) and secondary English language arts curriculum.
- Expansion of community schools.
- Virtual academy teachers.
- Student safety assistants and additional athletic trainers.
As Board Chair Mrs. Booker-Dwyer shared in her Feb. 5 message, the proposed budget will help increase system efficiency, reduce redundancy, and move resources closer to schools. I encourage you to stay engaged with the budget process as it moves forward to the County Executive and County Council.
Regards,
Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Have questions about the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget? Check out the following resources:
Watch the Jan. 8 Presentation
Visit Budget 101
Watch the BOE Work Session
Visit the FY 2025 Budget Page
Watch Dr. Rogers’ Feb. 15 Budget Update