FCPS Budget Update
Board of Education Boosts Special Education Budget
Stating that the Frederick County Public Schools' budget “reflects our priorities,” Board of Education members added over $2.5 million to the proposed 2019 budget in preparation for a hearing at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 at Frederick High School. The hearing is open to the public.
Budget Director, Heather Jo Clabaugh said state revenues have increased by $2.1 million and county revenues by $113,015, with some adjustment to enrollment projections. An expense over revenue gap had now shrunk by some $3 million. But with the $2.5 million added by the BOE, the gap is approaching the previous $8.3 million.
The BOE has sought to respond to requests from parents of special education students and the students themselves to improve training for educators who are teaching students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. During public commentary at BOE meetings, these parents have related their experiences with FCPS and urged the BOE to consider a more comprehensive approach to special education beyond the pilot programs and additional intervention staff proposed in the Superintendent’s 2019 budget.
Board member Liz Barrett agreed. “I don’t think the Superintendent’s budget is adequate at this time,” she said. “Staff members are currently working independently trying to put out fires. We should be focusing on continuous improvement by ending the pilot programs and tripling the number of specialists trained.”
Vice President Dr. April Miller also wants to add resources. “We have a lot of catching up to do,” she said, advocating for “a scientifically-based, multi-sensory reading program for grades K – 3.” The concept of an ombudsman, introduced by Barrett was also endorsed by Dr. Miller. Although a job description has not been written, it is generally agreed such a person would operate as the single “go to” source for the families of children with special education needs. An ombudsman “is the face of the school district for parents just coming in,” Dr. Miller said.
In three separate motions, the BOE voted to include an additional $500,000 for students with dyslexia, $500,000 for a scientifically-based reading program, and $115,000 for an ombudsman. All three motions passed unanimously. Board member Ken Kerr, Ph.D proposed a placeholder of $150,000 for an apprentice teacher program as a way to address a growing teacher shortage. Such a program would provide high school graduates with the opportunity to acquire classroom experience and earn a salary while studying for an undergraduate degree in education. On graduation, the student would have a commitment to teach in FCPS for a period of five years. The proposal passed unanimously.
Board member Michael Bunitsky introduced a motion to provide a fulltime media specialist for each school throughout the system. Parents at Parkway Elementary School had advocated for a return to a fulltime media specialist during public commentary. Superintendent, Dr. Theresa Alban explained how a reallocation of staff had left smaller schools with part-time positions. The motion to provide an additional $350,000 for fulltime media specialists for all schools failed by a vote of 5 to 2.
Bunitsky also proposed a placeholder addition of $40,000 for any school principal who wanted to develop an International Baccalaureate program, a motion that passed 5 – 2. Remarking on how adding to school support positions for school psychologists and social workers had benefited high schools and middle schools throughout the system, Board President Brad Young proposed adding $200,000 to create two new support positions. The motion passed unanimously.
Finally, Dr. Miller proposed an expense of $1 million in addition to the amount already budgeted for, and allocated to Other Post Employment Benefits fund, in support of the retired employee benefits package, currently only 20% funded. The motion passed 5 – 2.
