Baltimore, January 16, 2026
The proposed $2.49 billion budget by Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers aims to address fiscal challenges while balancing essential educational investments. Key highlights include a $57.3 million increase in the General Fund, staffing adjustments that could reduce nearly 600 positions, and significant cost-saving measures. Community concerns over potential class size increases have emerged, prompting public engagement opportunities for feedback.
Baltimore County Superintendent Proposes $2.49 Billion Budget Amid Fiscal Challenges
Baltimore, MD – Dr. Myriam Rogers, Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), has proposed a $2.49 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027, aiming to balance essential educational investments with the district’s ongoing financial constraints.
Key Budget Highlights
- Overall Increase: The proposed budget represents a $57.3 million (2.8%) increase in the General Fund, including a projected $19.9 million (2%) increase from the Baltimore County government.
- Staffing Adjustments: To address a $40 million budget deficit, the plan considers reducing nearly 600 positions, potentially increasing class sizes from 22 to 25 students in grades 1-12. However, kindergarten and pre-kindergarten class sizes would remain at 22.
- Cost-Saving Measures: The budget includes a central office hiring freeze, a comprehensive review of all contracts, and a 73% decrease in new spending, aiming to identify $62.1 million in cost savings and reductions.
Community and Educator Reactions
Parents and educators have expressed concerns about the proposed budget. Some worry that larger class sizes could negatively impact classroom dynamics and student attention. Others emphasize the importance of maintaining manageable class sizes to ensure quality education and suggest seeking additional funding from county officials to mitigate potential cuts.
Public Engagement and Next Steps
The Board of Education of Baltimore County has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed budget for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., inviting community members to provide feedback. The Board will discuss the budget, including staffing allocations, during a work session on January 27, with a final vote scheduled for February 10.
Background Context
This budget proposal marks the third consecutive year of fiscal challenges for BCPS, influenced by the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and anticipated declines in federal, state, and local revenue. Superintendent Rogers emphasizes the district’s commitment to providing high-quality instruction and care to all students, despite the financial hurdles.
Key Features of the Proposed Budget
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Overall Increase | $57.3 million (2.8%) increase in the General Fund, including a projected $19.9 million (2%) increase from the Baltimore County government. |
| Staffing Adjustments | Consideration of reducing nearly 600 positions, potentially increasing class sizes from 22 to 25 students in grades 1-12. Kindergarten and pre-kindergarten class sizes would remain at 22. |
| Cost-Saving Measures | Central office hiring freeze, comprehensive review of all contracts, and a 73% decrease in new spending, aiming to identify $62.1 million in cost savings and reductions. |
| Community Engagement | Public hearing scheduled for January 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., inviting community members to provide feedback. |
| Background Context | Third consecutive year of fiscal challenges for BCPS, influenced by the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and anticipated declines in federal, state, and local revenue. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027?
The proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027 is $2.49 billion, representing a $57.3 million (2.8%) increase in the General Fund, including a projected $19.9 million (2%) increase from the Baltimore County government.
How does the proposed budget address the budget deficit?
To address a $40 million budget deficit, the plan considers reducing nearly 600 positions, potentially increasing class sizes from 22 to 25 students in grades 1-12. However, kindergarten and pre-kindergarten class sizes would remain at 22.
What cost-saving measures are included in the proposed budget?
The budget includes a central office hiring freeze, a comprehensive review of all contracts, and a 73% decrease in new spending, aiming to identify $62.1 million in cost savings and reductions.
How have parents and educators responded to the proposed budget?
Parents and educators have expressed concerns about the proposed budget. Some worry that larger class sizes could negatively impact classroom dynamics and student attention. Others emphasize the importance of maintaining manageable class sizes to ensure quality education and suggest seeking additional funding from county officials to mitigate potential cuts.
When is the public hearing on the proposed budget?
The Board of Education of Baltimore County has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed budget for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., inviting community members to provide feedback.
What is the background context of the proposed budget?
This budget proposal marks the third consecutive year of fiscal challenges for BCPS, influenced by the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and anticipated declines in federal, state, and local revenue. Superintendent Rogers emphasizes the district’s commitment to providing high-quality instruction and care to all students, despite the financial hurdles.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greater Baltimore Committee Unveils 2026 Legislative Priorities
Rockville Man Injured in Attempted Robbery
Maryland Lawmakers Confront $1.4 Billion Budget Deficit
Montgomery County Investigates Surge in Vehicle Break-Ins
Baltimore Woman Pleads Guilty in Hit-and-Run Case
Baltimore Man Delays Hospital Visit After Shooting Incident
No Charges Filed in Baltimore Police-Involved Death
Prince George’s Couple Wins $50,000 Lottery Prize
Baltimore County Schools Propose $2.49 Billion Operating Budget for 2027
Major Developments Poised to Impact Growth Across States
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
