Howard County Public School System urges governor to restore funding

April 13th, 2015

Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) leaders are urging Governor Hogan to provide full funding for Maryland’s public schools.

HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Renee A. Foose has been a vocal advocate for full public education funding, urging state leaders to recognize the critical role of public education in Maryland’s robust economy. In a March 22, 2015 Washington Post opinion piece, she stated, “Cutting education resources will not improve the state’s competitiveness. It will not attract new business to the state, nor will it encourage entrepreneurs to start new businesses. History has shown that increased social mobility and greater economic growth have no greater partner than universal, high-quality public education.”

In a letter dated April 12, 2015, Board of Education Chairman Dr. Janet Siddiqui urged Governor Larry Hogan to maintain existing aid formulas to Maryland’s public schools. “The budget proposes to cut the aid in the Geographic Cost of Education Index (GCEI) in half next year, which would reduce FY 2016 aid to Howard County by $2.7 million. In order to maintain the instructional quality that our citizens demand, we need the state to continue its commitments to our schools,” stated Siddiqui. “Without more teachers, support staff, and school leaders, we cannot build on the progress we have made and meet increasing needs.”

Today, Dr. Foose stated: “Public schools throughout Maryland are raising the bar for all students to ensure that they are prepared for college and tomorrow’s careers. Like districts across the state, Howard County is seeing great progress in rich, impactful, and relevant instruction. Cutting funding to public education now will seriously undermine this progress.”

The Maryland legislature has until the end of the session, today at midnight, to pass the budget if they do not want to enter a special session.