Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is considering changing or eliminating three programs and is seeking public comment, the school system said.
MCPS said rising inflation and the expiration of pandemic-era federal funding are the reasons for the potential modifications to the fiscal year 2025 budget.
“Due to this current economic climate, the Board of Education is taking a deep and serious look into the upcoming budget for FY25, including analysis of what is essential, what the school system can afford and what is really moving the needle for MCPS in terms of student achievement,” MCPS said.
The MCPS Virtual Academy, created during the pandemic to provide alternative learning solutions for those with special circumstances, is one of the programs being discussed. That program was funded by an emergency pandemic relief grant from the federal government, MCPS said.
A student leadership program at several MCPS schools and another creating an extended academic calendar at two county elementary schools may also be impacted, MCPS said.
The MCPS Board of Education will hold a public hearing Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. to consider the potential changes. Slots for providing public comment at the meeting have been filled, but written testimonies can be emailed to BOEtestimony@mcpsmd.org.
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