Towson, MD, January 15, 2026
The Baltimore County Board of Education is hosting a public hearing on the proposed FY2027 operating budget for BCPS. The $2.49 billion budget focuses on academic achievement, safety, infrastructure, and staff retention. Community participation is encouraged during the hearing on January 20, providing an opportunity for residents to voice their input.
Baltimore County to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed FY2027 Operating Budget
TOWSON, MD — The Board of Education of Baltimore County is set to conduct a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget for Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., providing an opportunity for community members to offer input before the budget is finalized.
Proposed Budget Overview
Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers has presented a $2.49 billion operating budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027. This proposal represents a 2.8% increase from the previous year and focuses on four key areas: academic achievement, safety and climate, infrastructure, and the recruitment and retention of the system’s over 20,000 employees. The budget also includes a projected $19.9 million increase from the Baltimore County government, which exceeds the state-mandated Maintenance of Effort level by $29.7 million. Despite this increase, the district faces financial challenges due to the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and a decline in revenue from federal, state, and local sources. To address these challenges, the district has identified $62.1 million in cost savings, including a hiring freeze for central office and non-school-based positions, elimination of new initiatives unless mandated by the state, a comprehensive review and renegotiation of existing contracts, and the use of zero-based budgeting across all departments. A central piece of the FY 2027 request is the fulfillment of multi-year compensation packages, aiming to honor year two and three salary agreements made with employee bargaining groups to ensure BCPS remains competitive in attracting and retaining staff.
Public Participation Details
Community members interested in providing input during the public hearing must register in advance. The online registration form is open and will remain available until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19. Those who register will receive a confirmation email. For those who prefer to provide input in person without pre-registering online, a sign-up sheet will be available at the meeting location 30 minutes before the start of the hearing. Each speaker is limited to three minutes, and no speaker substitutions are permitted. Written comments may also be submitted via email to [email protected]. The hearing will be broadcast live online and on BCPS-TV, available on Comcast Xfinity channel 1073 and Verizon FiOS channel 34. The feedback gathered during this hearing will inform the Board of Education’s deliberations as they work toward adopting a requested budget to send to the County Executive by March.
Background Context
The proposed budget comes amid ongoing financial challenges for BCPS, including the end of federal pandemic relief funds and rising costs associated with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The district has implemented measures such as a central office hiring freeze and a review of all existing contracts to manage these pressures. The proposed budget aims to balance essential school investments with the reality of a tightening fiscal landscape, ensuring that the needs of students and staff are met while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Key Features of the Proposed FY2027 Operating Budget
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Proposed Budget | $2.49 billion, a 2.8% increase from the previous year. |
| Key Focus Areas | Academic achievement, safety and climate, infrastructure, and recruitment and retention of over 20,000 employees. |
| Additional County Funding | Projected $19.9 million increase from the Baltimore County government, exceeding the state-mandated Maintenance of Effort level by $29.7 million. |
| Cost Savings Measures | Identified $62.1 million in cost savings, including a hiring freeze for central office and non-school-based positions, elimination of new initiatives unless mandated by the state, comprehensive review and renegotiation of existing contracts, and use of zero-based budgeting across all departments. |
| Compensation Packages | Aims to honor year two and three salary agreements made with employee bargaining groups to ensure BCPS remains competitive in attracting and retaining staff. |
| Community Engagement Opportunities | Public Hearing on January 20, 2026; Work Sessions on January 27, 2026, and February 10, 2026; Final Adoption expected during the February 10 meeting. |
Conclusion
The upcoming public hearing on January 20 presents an invaluable opportunity for community members to engage directly with the budget planning process. As Baltimore County Public Schools navigates the complexities of financial challenges while striving to maintain educational standards, community involvement becomes crucial. Residents are encouraged to actively participate, providing insights that will help shape the future of our schools. Engaging in local governance not only fosters transparency but also empowers individuals to take ownership of their educational landscapes. Mark your calendars and be part of the conversation!
When is the public hearing on the proposed FY2027 operating budget?
The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
How can I register to speak at the public hearing?
Community members interested in providing input during the public hearing must register in advance. The online registration form is open and will remain available until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19. Those who register will receive a confirmation email. For those who prefer to provide input in person without pre-registering online, a sign-up sheet will be available at the meeting location 30 minutes before the start of the hearing.
What are the guidelines for public testimony during the hearing?
Each speaker is limited to three minutes, and no speaker substitutions are permitted. Written comments may also be submitted via email to [email protected].
Will the public hearing be accessible online?
Yes, the hearing will be broadcast live online and on BCPS-TV, available on Comcast Xfinity channel 1073 and Verizon FiOS channel 34.
Where can I find the complete proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027?
The complete budget proposal is available for public review on the Baltimore County Public Schools website.
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