Baltimore County, January 15, 2026

Baltimore County Public Schools has proposed a $2.49 billion operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting a 2.8% increase in the General Fund. Financial challenges continue as the district addresses cost-saving measures including a hiring freeze and a net reduction of nearly 600 staff positions. The proposed budget may lead to larger class sizes, with future community engagement opportunities scheduled to discuss the proposal.

Baltimore County Schools Propose $2.49 Billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2027

Baltimore County, Maryland – On January 13, 2026, Dr. Myriam Rogers, Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), presented a proposed operating budget of $2.49 billion for Fiscal Year 2027. This proposal represents a 2.8% increase in the General Fund compared to the previous fiscal year.

Budget Overview

The proposed budget includes a projected $19.9 million increase from the Baltimore County government, positioning it $29.7 million above the state-mandated Maintenance of Effort level. Despite this increase, the district faces its third consecutive year of significant financial challenges, attributed to the ongoing implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and a decline in revenue from federal, state, and local sources.

Cost-Saving Measures

To address the budget shortfall, BCPS has identified $62.1 million in cost-saving measures, including:

• Implementing a hiring freeze for central office and non-school-based positions.
• Eliminating new initiatives unless mandated by the state.
• Conducting a comprehensive review and renegotiation of existing contracts.
• Utilizing zero-based budgeting across all departments.

Impact on Staffing and Class Sizes

The proposed budget includes a 73% reduction in new spending, decreasing from approximately $24 million in 2026 to $6 million in 2027. Additionally, the plan anticipates a net reduction of nearly 600 positions. These measures may lead to increased class sizes, with a teacher-to-student ratio of one teacher for every 25 students in grades 1 through 12. Prekindergarten and kindergarten class sizes would remain unchanged, with one teacher for every 22 students.

Community Engagement and Next Steps

BCPS has scheduled several opportunities for community engagement before finalizing the budget:

• Public Hearing: January 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
• Work Sessions: January 27, 2026, and February 10, 2026.
• Final Adoption: The Board is expected to vote on the proposal during its February 10 meeting.

The complete budget proposal is available for public review on the Baltimore County Public Schools website.

Background

In the previous fiscal year, BCPS approved a $2.98 billion operating budget, marking a 6.5% increase aimed at addressing the growing needs of the district’s 110,000 students and investing in the recruitment and retention of staff members. This budget was presented during a meeting of the Board of Education in January 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Key Features of the Proposed Budget

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