Speakers overwhelmingly urged the Montgomery County Council on Tuesday to fully fund the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) proposed budget during a public hearing in Rockville on Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich’s (D) proposed $7.1 billion fiscal year 2025 operating budget.
“Let’s not shy away from acknowledging the lost ground and the low test scores and the interruptions to the social emotional and behavioral development of our students,” said Cathy Stocker, vice president of educational issues for the Montgomery County Council of PTAs, referring to the pandemic. “These big challenges demand a bold and audacious response, one that includes a reinvigorated partnership between home, the classroom, our elected leaders, and yes, a fully funded operating budget for our school system.”
Elrich’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2025, which starts July 1, includes $3.3 billion for MCPS, funding 98.2% of the county school board’s request. The total school spending represents a $107 million increase over spending in the current fiscal year, but also represents about a $60 million cut in the school board’s funding request, according to board documents. The proposal also includes full funding for Montgomery College’s $334 million request.
“We should not become complacent or ponder disinvestment in these critical areas. Doing so would be a disservice to our students, a waste of prior investments and step backwards in our efforts to provide a high-quality equitable education for all,” Byron Johns testified on behalf of the Montgomery County NAACP Parents Council.
Nnenna Egwim, a student at Springbrook High School in Silver Spring, urged the council to ensure funding for the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program. An IB student, she voiced concern that the program did not have the same resources as IB programs at other MCPS schools.
“I have seen the value and growth I have gained from this program,” Egwim said. “We commend the county for the support that we have had … but still need your support in order to grow and have equitable access to some resources.”
Tuesday afternoon’s public hearing was the third of five hosted by the council in person and on Zoom to gather testimony from constituents on the proposed budget. Council President Andrew Friedson (D-Dist. 1) said over 250 total speakers will participate across the five hearings, based on registration.
Several speakers urged the council to preserve or increase funding for services that support immigrants, including the Newcomers Initiative, which helps recent immigrants settle into the community.
“The newcomers initiative provides a comprehensive response and has proven to be a successful model in aiding these families and making Montgomery County their home,” said Michelle LaRue, Senior Manager of Health and Science for immigrant rights group CASA. “When the families arrive at the respite center, they first have safety and shelter combined with culturally and linguistically appropriate navigation services to food, clothing and other services.”
Thao Bui of the Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association asked the council to consider increasing funding for the Silver Spring organization, which provides services for Vietnamese immigrants.
“Our dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to bridge the gap for those who face language barriers, especially our elderly population who are often marginalized and fearful of engaging with county authorities and agencies when seeking needed social services,” Bui said.
Other advocates encouraged the council to support parks and recreation programming and facilities.
“The cuts that have been proposed by the county executive to the operating budget are really too deep. They can’t be sustained on a long-term basis,” said David Magill, Maryland advocacy director with Mid Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts, a mountain biking group. “I realize it’s a tough year, but please find a way to do a level that supports the tremendous investment that you’ve made in trails and in parks.”
Kensington resident Meredith Eriksen spoke to the health benefits of having parks and recreation facilities available to residents.
“Ensuring our parks department has the budget to keep those new and existing parks safe, clean and in good repair is essential. The health of our county residents depends on it,” Eriksen said.
The council will host several work sessions prior to approving a final budget in mid-May.