The Howard County School Board must wait for the County Council to decide on whether it will fully fund the school system?s budget or the board must resort to spending cuts.
The answer is expected tonight on the future of the School Board?s proposed fiscal 2007 operating budget, which handles ongoing expenses such as health care and salaries.
The board requested $396.5 million from the county,but Howard County Executive James Robey suggested $393.5 million. The board also is facing additional revenue loss from the state.
To breach the gap, School Superintendent Sydney Cousin has proposed reductions, including 8 1/2 personnel positions, maintenance of older schools and deferring supplies at the Northeastern Elementary School, which is scheduled to open next year.
“We?ve been talking with them, and we want to get these positions restored,” said School Board Chairman Joshua Kaufman, following a Wednesday work session with the County Council at the George Howard Building in Ellicott City.
A hint of how the County Council plans to vote was revealed in a straw vote at the work session.
“I will support the budget as is with the additional money [in the capital budget] for the Clarksville Middle School renovations,” said Council Chairman Christopher Merdon, R-District 1, who is running for Howard County executive.
“I think it?s appropriate to balance the county?s [overall] needs with its education needs.”
“I?m ready to vote yes on the budget,” said Council Member Charles Feaga, R-District 5.
“I?ve always been committed to putting education first,” said Council Member Kenneth Ulman, D-District 4, who also is running for Howard County executive.
“I think we have to work within our means, but I have concerns about the positions, and I am working with council members to find funding for some of those positions,” said Council Member Calvin Ball, D-District 2.
Council Member Guy Guzzone, D-District 3, did not give his position on the School Board?s budget.
Robey, a Democrat, is seeking a state Senate seat.
Public Hearing
The Howard County School Board will hold a public hearing and work session on its capital and operating budgets at 7:30 tonight at the Departmentof Education, 10910 Route 108, Ellicott City.
