Whether the Howard County school system can close a $3.6 million funding gap in its operating budget without making cuts to student service workers is anybody?s guess.
More than 100 people attended a Saturday public hearing to ask the County Council to restore funds in the school system?s operating and capital budgets.
“These cuts will have a negative impact on staff workload,” said Ann DeLacy, president of the Howard County Education Association.
County Council has the authority to restore funding for the School Board?s budget.
In the event that the school system doesn?t receive the money, County Schools Superintendent Sydney Cousin has proposed not hiring two new guidance counselors at Howard and Atholton high schools, as well as a new pupil personnel worker and five custodians. Maintenance at older schools also are included in the proposed reductions.
Sue Webster, president of the Howard County Administrators? Association, said, “This budget doesn?t come with bells and whistles. It?s basic. Make a difference, and restore the funds to the school system?s budget.”
Atholton needs a fifth counselor to help balance the workload of helping students prepare schedules and get ready for college, said BeckyJoyner, second vice president of the Atholton PTSA.
“Right now, the student-to-counselor ratio is 342:1. The standard is 273:1,” she said.
Heidi Strominger, a member of the county?s Student Services Advisory Committee, said, “The two new counselors are needed to keep pace with growth” in county schools.
Following the meeting, County Council Chairman Christopher Merdon, R-District 1, said the council would do its “best” to close the gap, although he added it?s important for people to understand that other parts of the budget also have to be funded.
What?s Next?
Howard County Council will hold a work session on the capital and operating budgets for the Howard County School Board at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Ellicott Room at the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City. If needed, a second work session will take place at 10 a.m. May 18 in the Ellicott Room.
The County Council is expected to vote on its budget, which includes the School Board?s budget, at noon May 24 in Banneker Room at the George Howard Building.
