Dear MCPS Community:
The Montgomery County Council voted to fully fund the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) operating budget for Fiscal Year 2018. In alignment with the recommendation by County Executive Isiah Leggett, the $2.52 billion investment in our schools and students represents the critical resources needed to fund the same level of services for a growing student population, account for the rising cost of operations and implement new strategies that will ensure all students are able to achieve at higher levels.
The budget includes a few specific investments, such as:
- Increasing opportunities for students to participate in rigorous coursework, programs and co-curricular activities, including in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
- Expanding achievement-focused extracurricular programs to all middle schools to increase outcomes and opportunities for students
- Providing funding for any Grade 11 student who wants to take the SAT, ACT or other career certification assessment
- Implementing a comprehensive data system for educators to better measure student performance and fully understand the circumstances of all their student learners
The investments also will help enhance the abilities of our educators to support students. If we expect staff to invest in students, we also must invest in the teachers and staff who support them. This budget includes funding to provide training for teachers to hone their craft and professional learning for all staff on cultural competence, implicit bias, and restorative practices.
The Board of Education will take final action on the operating budget on June 13.
We thank County Executive Leggett, County Council President Roger Berliner, and the entire County Council for its unwavering commitment to the students of Montgomery County Public Schools. Their leadership has helped pave the way for students to meet their academic potential and enhance the future of our county.
We also thank the residents and businesses of Montgomery County. We know this funding represents the hard-earned wages of our community members. Montgomery County Public Schools is committed to ensuring every dollar provided to us is spent wisely and advances the success of our students.
Providing every student with the academic, creative problem solving, and social emotional skills to be successful in college and career is our mission. We are confident that this essential funding will help us continue to fulfill this mission.
Sincerely,
Michael Durso
President, Montgomery County Board of Education
Jack Smith, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
