If you’ve been following Montgomery County school budget news, it wasn’t much of a shock when County Executive Ike Leggett’s budget didn’t give the schools the additional $82 million they requested. In short, Montgomery County is pretty broke.
Still, school board President Christopher Barclay said the school system has not withdrawn its petition to the state asking for a clarification on its funding laws. County Council members, saying this is a sure sign the school board is considering suing the county, had asked Barclay to withdraw the petition.
Barclay released a statement on Leggett’s budget Tuesday. The long and short of it:
We are disappointed that the County Executive’s recommended budget does not meet the state-required minimum funding level for our schools. The budget, as proposed by the County Executive, will lead to higher class sizes, staff cuts and other reductions that will affect every classroom in Montgomery County Public Schools.
We certainly recognize that these are very difficult economic times and we are committed to working with the County Council on a responsible budget that considers the fiscal needs of the county but fulfills our moral and legal obligation to provide all students with an excellent education.
Kristin Trible, president of the Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations, released a like-minded statement:
The Montgomery County Council of PTAs urges the County Executive and County Council to make school funding a top priority. This is not just a service to our children- it’s an investment in Montgomery County ’s future. The lack of support for education this year is disappointing. With more than 3,000 additional students expected in August, this proposed budget effectively recommends drastic cuts to our students’ education – with potential consequences that include larger class sizes, elimination of courses, and reduction in key security, maintenance, and building service staff that make our school environments secure and livable. Montgomery County has been a true leader in supporting and implementing a strong public education system over the years. Let’s continue that tradition and model for other communities that even in the lean years we support our kids and invest in our future.
