UPPER MARLBORO, MD – The Prince George’s County Board of Education has approved a $2.05 billion budget request for fiscal year 2019, focusing on investments in staff compensation, full-day prekindergarten, language immersion programs and critical program continuations.
Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell lowered his original $2.1 billion request by $59.2 million. The revised spending plan represents a $72.3 million increase -- 3.7 percent -- over the current budget and covers the fiscal year July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.
Federal revenue sources are projected to increase by $10.1 million due to two new grant awards. State funds are projected to rise $31.5 million in line with continued enrollment increases. The budget includes a $24.4 million increase from the county.
The budget proposal invests $1.0 million to expand full-day prekindergarten programs and $800,000 to continue the P-TECH, 3D Scholar and Arts Integration initiatives. The budget provides for the continuation of language immersion ($1.6 million); the two International high schools ($1.7 million); and the Teacher Academy Middle College ($500,000), with additional funds to support the Student-Based Budgeting model ($9.1 million).
The plan also includes $29.5 million in compensation enhancements for settled negotiated agreements and $500,000 to increase Peer Assistance and Review supports for teachers.
In addition, the budget provides $1.7 million for student safety and security needs and transportation and maintenance concerns, and $250,000 for an independent graduation audit.
The process for developing and adopting the budget included significant public input. An online survey was available through the PGCPS website to solicit community input on budget priorities. The Board of Education held three budget public hearings and three public work sessions in January and February.
The Board of Education approved the revised proposal at its Feb. 22 meeting. State law requires the school board to present a balanced budget to County Executive Rushern L. Baker III by March 1. Baker will present his budget to the County Council by March 15. The Board will reconcile the budget after the County Council finalizes its appropriations.