HCPSSHCPSS Superintendent Presents Proposed FY 2026 Operating Budget
January 10th, 2025
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Superintendent William J. Barnes on Jan. 9 presented his proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 (FY 2026) to the Board of Education.
In total, the Proposed FY 2026 Operating Budget is $1.219 billion, which reflects an increase of $74.3 million, or 6.49% in expenditures above fiscal year 2025 and a net addition of 68.1 positions, primarily in special education and safety and security.
The budget is largely a “same services” proposal that:
- Retains all current employees;
- Increases supports and staffing for special education;
- Commits to high quality staff through compensation and benefits;
- Prioritizes the safety of students and staff; and
- Maintains current programs and services.
Additionally, the proposal maintains class sizes and does not propose impacts to programs and services, including Gifted and Talented, fine arts, Library Media, and opportunities provided at the Howard County Conservancy. The proposal also commits to implementing enhanced student transportation services.
“In total, this budget proposal meets some of the most significant needs of the school system, but it does not fulfill every priority we have,” said HCPSS Superintendent, Bill Barnes. “It is a large request, but our needs related to special education, employee compensation, safety and security, and other enhancements to our district are reasonable and they are real.”
The proposed budget is based on a County revenue request of $67.1 million above Maintenance of Effort which includes $61.8 million more than was allocated for the 2025 fiscal year, a projected $24.8 million increase in state funding, and use of $7.0 million from the Technology Services Fund to address the rising costs of student devices mandated by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
“I believe this is a reasonable, and necessary, request based on the work we did one year ago; revenue trends over several years; the shared commitments between the Board of Education, County Executive and County Council; and the information we have available to us at this moment,” said Barnes. “I anticipate—and hope—our revenue projections increase in the months ahead, providing the Board and County leaders with added flexibility.”
An FY2026 Proposed Budget Toolkit was posted online to help HCPSS stakeholders more easily understand the Superintendent’s FY 2026 Proposed Operating Budget without having to navigate the 700-page budget book.
The Board of Education will hold their first public work session on Jan. 16 at 7:00 p.m. More information about the FY2026 Operating Budget development process may be found online.