TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams presented a $2.59 billion operating budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 during the January 10 meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County.

The proposed budget continues BCPS’ focus on raising the bar, closing achievement and opportunity gaps, and preparing all students for the future.

Dr. Williams’ budget recommendation represents an overall increase of $226.0 million (9.5 percent) over the FY 2023 operating budget and $102.8 million increase (5.7 percent) over the current FY 2023 general fund budget. The proposed budget ensures that BCPS can provide a high-quality education and meet the increasing needs of its diverse student population, continue its recovery from the significant impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, accelerate academic growth for students, and explore innovative approaches for teaching and learning.

“The FY24 proposed operating budget focuses on strengthening our course and shaping the future of our school system,” Superintendent Williams said. “It is centered on our core purpose of increasing achievement for all students. Delivering on this commitment means prioritizing investments in the most critical areas to ensure success moving forward.”

The investments outlined in the proposed operating budget are aligned with the system priorities outlined in the BCPS strategic plan, The Compass—Our Pathway to Excellence. The investments reflect the ongoing work of the school system to ensure students are learning at high levels and are receiving critical wraparound supports and services. The recommended operating budget also underscores the school system’s commitment to recruit and retain excellent teachers and staff.

Highlights from the proposed FY 2024 operating budget include:

• Additional investments in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs.
• Expansion of full-day PreKindergarten programs.
•  Compensation enhancements for all staff.
•  Expansion of community schools.
•  Additional investments in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
•  Removing all testing costs to students for Advanced Placement (AP) and International
  Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
•  Increased investments in technology and infrastructure.

BCPS anticipates significant fiscal challenges as inflation increases operational costs and financial forecasts signal uncertainty. Federal COVID-19 funding support is scheduled to end in FY 2025.

The FY2024 proposed budget will be posted online. A Board public hearing on the budget will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 6:30 p.m., to be followed by a Board operating budget work session on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m. (snow dates for these meetings are Wednesday, Jan. 18, and Wednesday, Jan. 25, respectively). The Board is scheduled to adopt the budget at its Tuesday, Feb. 28, meeting, at 6:30 p.m.

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