The Montgomery County school board will meet today to adopt a $2.1 billion operating budget proposed in the worst fiscal climate in more than a decade.
And although the board can propose changes to Superintendent Jerry Weast’s recommendations, up $126.2 million over the 2008 budget, members don’t expect anyone to go on a spree.
“No one would propose additions without first offsetting costs,” said board member Pat O’Neill. “I’m holding my breath that we get the budget funded as it is.”
As it is, employee compensation commands 89 percent of the operating funds: $7.3 million in benefits and $89.3 million in salaries.
In 2008, the schools received around 74 percent of funds from the county, 20percent from the state and 3 percent from the federal government.
New initiatives proposed by Weast include an expansion of middle school programs at a cost of nearly $3 million and the hiring of 10 assistant principals at the elementary level, costing nearly $1.1 million.
The initiatives reflect a stripped down look at the board’s priorities — middle school reform and elementary reading achievement.
“My heart would be to accelerate middle school reform,” O’Neill said. “But I have a real concern about the funds and the capacity to implement them.”
There’s speculation members might address adding more social workers and funds for assessing indoor air quality.
Once the board adopts the budget, it gets passed to the County Council, which will vote on it in May.
Councilwoman and former school board member Valerie Ervin said all are aware of the budget constraints.
“No one in this county is going to take the approach they can ask for the world and expect to receive it,” she said.
A lesson in economics
Proposed new spending for 2009 from Montgomery County schools reflects more modest aims than in years past:
» 18 middle school special ed staff: $923,102
» 6 guidance counselors: $529,092
» 6 parent community coordinators: $444,491
» 16 lunch and recess aides: $432,008
