A virtual forum regarding Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) operating budget will be held Nov. 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. MCPS board member Julie Yang will be hosting this event with other members of MCPS leadership.
The operating budget includes funds allocated to MCPS staff, resources, and materials. The budget is composed of four contributors: 63% from the county, 30% from the state, 4% from the federal government, and 3% from enterprise and special revenue.
There are currently over 162,000 students in MCPS. Although more funds are granted when more students attend an MCPS school, the additional dollars do not cover the full cost for more students.
The MCPS leadership is strategic in their fund allocation in order to best and fairly support each school. For every dollar, 80 cents goes to instruction, 14 cents goes to other services, and less than 3 cents goes to systemwide support or central services.
The instruction fund is money allocated to teachers and staff, materials, and supplies. Other services are funds distributed to student transportation and staff that cleans and guards the buildings. Systemwide support or central services includes the food service fund. MCPS has the smallest systemwide support or central services allocation in the state.
Staff size and resources are based on enrollment and the needs of students in each school. MCPS leadership tries to keep elementary school classes between 24 to 28 students per class. Therefore, some schools may need more elementary school staff depending on their enrollment size. Also, more staff is required in schools with more multilingual learners. Additional staff is needed in higher poverty schools as well.
The complexity of allocating funds and overseeing the 211 schools in the county require sufficient funds in the operating budget. County residents are invited to share their budget ideas and initiatives in the upcoming forum.
Those that are interested must RSVP and attend the event through this link.
