January 11, 2024, Staff and Community Update: Superintendent Rogers recommends $2.58 billion operating budget for FY 2025
Dear Team BCPS -
Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) formally presented a $2.58 billion operating budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to the Board of Education on Jan. 9. Dr. Rogers also shared highlights of her request with elected officials, school and central office administrators, and members of the Team BCPS community on Jan. 8. If you missed the presentation, you can watch it online.
The proposed budget reflects the work of the school system to fast forward student achievement. The recommendation represents a modest $42.3 million increase (2.2 percent) over the current FY 2024 general fund budget. The proposed budget outlines the work and key investments that will ensure all students are learning at high levels, have access to innovative programs, and receive comprehensive support and services.
The investments outlined in the proposed FY 2025 operating budget are aligned with the system’s four priority areas:
- Academic achievement
- Infrastructure
- Safety and climate
- Highly effective teachers, leaders, and staff
BCPS is also targeting resources in areas that will help make improvements in English language arts, mathematics, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and special education programs.
Highlights from the proposed FY 2025 operating budget include:
- Reduced class sizes in Grades 3-5.
- Expansion of full-day PreKindergarten programs.
- Compensation enhancements for all staff.
- Special education Individualized Education Program (IEP) chairpersons in elementary schools.
- An 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.
The Board of Education will hold a virtual public hearing on the budget on Tuesday, January 16, at 6:30 p.m., followed by an operating budget work session on Tuesday, January 23, at 6:30 p.m. (Snow dates for these meetings are Wednesday, January 17, and Wednesday, January 24, respectively). The Board is scheduled to adopt its budget at its Tuesday, February 27 meeting at 6:30 p.m. After the Board of Education adopts its request for FY 2025, it will be sent to the Baltimore County Executive and County Council for consideration. The County Council will approve its final FY 2025 Operating Budget in May.
Read “Budget Investments at a Glance”
Watch the Jan. 8 Budget Presentation at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
View the presentation slides
