St. Mary's County Public Schools

The Board conducted a work session regarding the fiscal year 2027 recommended budget. Key topics included a detailed presentation on the 18-digit account coding structure, covering funds, categories, programs, locations, and projects to ensure transparency and accountability in reporting. The discussion also addressed the operating budget proposal, specifically outlining costs associated with salary steps, cost-of-living adjustments, and health insurance. Furthermore, the Board reviewed specific budget categories such as administration, mid-level administration, and instructional salaries, while addressing inquiries regarding legislative influences on board member allowances and departmental reallocations.

The Board of Education conducted a budget work session focused on the FY27 budget proposal. Key discussion topics included the incorporation of negotiated agreements involving salary step increases and cost-of-living adjustments, along with updates to expenditures for health insurance, pensions, and transportation. The Board reviewed adjustments made to align the budget with preliminary state revenue figures, including modifications to instructional salary and special education allocations. Additionally, the session covered proposed position reductions in operations and facility compliance, the impact of expiring federal and state grants on social worker staffing levels, and brief updates on athletic programming.

The community forum provided an overview of the facility utilization and school boundary study, focusing on potential redistricting options for the school district. Discussions included a detailed review of public survey responses regarding school experiences, facility preferences, and the importance of security, safety, and equitable program access. Presenters analyzed current school utilization rates, explored modeling strategies for balancing student enrollment and socioeconomic factors, and gathered community feedback on pre-K placement and career technical education pathways.

The Special Education Staffing Plan for St. Mary's County Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year is designed to ensure Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities, adhering to Maryland State Department of Education procedures. Key areas of focus include a detailed staffing and budget timeline, diverse funding sources, early intervention services, academic interventions to reduce achievement gaps, professional development, and family engagement. The plan outlines specific staffing patterns for elementary, middle, and high school special education teachers, as well as various specialized programs and related service providers, with a commitment to continuous improvement and equitable service delivery.

This document presents the Superintendent's recommendations for a Facility Utilization and School Boundary Study for St. Mary's County Public Schools. The study aims to achieve effective and efficient use of capital resources, optimize facilities, maximize student achievement, and relieve overcrowding, incorporating key community feedback. Key recommendations include monitoring elementary school enrollment for potential future closures and rebalancing by the 2028/29 school year, aligning middle school redistricting with elementary feeder patterns if necessary, and implementing a phased high school redistricting plan beginning in the 2026/27 school year to balance utilization across three high schools.