Three and a half personnel positions are expected to be retained in the Howard County School Board?s proposed operating budget now that three Democratic council members are promising to approve funding for them.

“We worked collaboratively. ? It is my hope that these needed positions will be filled,” Council Member Calvin Ball, D-District 2, said Tuesday, referring to County Executive James Robey, D, and Council Members Kenneth Ulman, District 4, and Guy Guzzone, District 3.