Despite learning that Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 includes a 9% increase, several officials expressed their appreciation that Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor was so open and had listened to their suggestions.
Wednesday night, Taylor detailed his proposed $3.61 billion budget that he called bare bones, designed more to fill holes than include new innovative programs.
Council President Kate Stewart and Board of Education President Julie Yang told MCM they were pleased with Taylor’s explanations for both his additions and cuts.
The Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) stated their pleasure with the budget’s emphasis on “the needs of students and educators and promises to deliver critical resources we need for student success.
In particular, Stein was happy that special education appears to be “a top priority.” In a news release, he called the proposed hiring of 688 positions in special education “merely getting the system to the point where it is fulfilling the previous obligations it made to special education students and their families.”
Overall, MCEA called Taylor’s proposal “reasonable and prudent, particularly when considering the chronic underfunding of MCPS schools over the past fifteen years.”
Added Stein, “This is a budget that provides hope to thousands of students, families, and educators, who are committed to Montgomery County schools and need to see those commitments reciprocated.”
While these initial reactions were upbeat, several people took to social media to say MCPS’ budget should be cut, not increased. CleanSlateMoCo posted, “Stop increasing the budget…Use what you have better.”
Superintendent Taylor’s recommended budget presentation is now LIVE!
Tune in NOW to see what’s planned for the fiscal year 2026 operating budget and how it will impact your school: https://t.co/v1ie11qlhW. pic.twitter.com/CMAWGVBgym
— MCPS (@MCPS) December 18, 2024
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MCPS Superintendent Proposes ‘Big Ask’ Budget of $3.61 Billion, A 9% Increase
