Board of Education members voted 7-1 to approve a $3.72 billion operating budget for schools, including hundreds of job cuts because school system leaders do not have the $36 million they said they need.
Some potential cuts were restored, but more than 400 will be eliminated. Those who are impacted wanted the school system to do more, and some are still not sure where their job stands.
“If a parent calls me at 8 p.m., my phone rings and I answer it, because you really can’t turn off the need of families,” said Alejandra Jarquin, a family engagement specialist.
“I really worry about our families and the students’ success, and if that’s really the board’s priority they should really look at all these cuts that they’re making,” Jarquin said. She said she still has not received a clear answer about the status of her job.
In all, 415 positions are impacted, including 159 vacant jobs, according to the school system.
Montgomery County Board of Education Member Rita Montoya was the only one to vote against the budget.
“I don’t feel that sufficient exploration of potential options occurred, and because I cannot look you — our community — in the eye and say that I feel that we’ve done that, I cannot support this budget,” she said.
After her statement the room erupted in cheering.
Through tears, School Board President Grace Rivera-Oven thanked employees for their work.
“You guys really make the life of our children, making them feel special and wanted,” Rivera-Oven said. “We simply — we cannot spend money that we do not have.”
MCPS did restore 18 school psychologist positions that were initially going to be cut.
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