County Schools Say $800 Million Won’t Cut it

Good morning, Columbia.

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

It’s budget déjà vu for Howard County Public Schools. School leaders say the proposed $800 million from the county isn’t enough — and big cuts may be coming. At Thursday’s Board of Education meeting, Chair Jolene Mosley warned, “Any cuts mean fewer educators for students.” Superintendent Bill Barnes added, “We can’t stretch $47.3 million in new revenue to meet $101.6 million in needs.” HCPSS needs at least $29.2 million more just to avoid cutting programs and staff, after eliminating nearly 200 positions last year.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future mandates are partly to blame, forcing counties to increase education spending. “Many counties just can’t—or won’t—do it,” said HCPSS CFO Brian Hull. At this week’s budget session, council members pushed for changes. “This is the same conversation every year,” said Councilman David Yungmann. Councilwoman Deb Jung acknowledged the challenge: “You’re supporting 57,000 students every day.” The County Council votes later this month. Stay tuned.

One of the country’s top 25 accounting firms is making a big move to Columbia. WithumSmith + Brown PC will consolidate its Baltimore and Bethesda offices into a 12,000-square-foot space in the Merriweather District this August. The firm says Columbia offers a central hub to better serve Baltimore and surrounding counties and called the move an investment in regional growth. Withum acquired its Baltimore presence in 2023 but says Columbia, which accommodates 80 employees, gives them more space and flexibility to expand. ($)

The Glenelg girls lacrosse team is headed back to play for the state title! After a two-hour lightning delay, they came out singing—literally. Fueled by dance parties and Toby Keith karaoke, the Gladiators blasted past Kent Island 18-7 in the Class 2A state semifinal. Eight different scorers, relentless defense, and big-game energy carried them to a rematch with Manchester Valley. Let’s dance. ($)

Big zoning changes are brewing in Columbia. County Executive Calvin Ball has launched a 20-member New Town Task Force to rework Columbia’s decades-old zoning playbook. It’s part of the county’s long-term growth plan, HoCo By Design. The group will study how Columbia has grown, gather community input, and recommend updates to ensure future development reflects the town’s unique character and evolving needs.

A fatal crash at Guilford and Mission roads in Jessup has neighbors demanding action. A stolen Hyundai hit multiple cars, killing Columbia resident Bonnie Fuller Griffith, 69. Four juveniles fled the scene; one was hospitalized. Longtime residents say crashes happen every few months at the busy intersection. Delphine Barksdale, who’s lived there 62 years, called for speed bumps or a traffic light. “Something needs to be done,” she said. The investigation continues. ($)

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

Welcome to Featured House of the Week, a brand-new Scoop series where we spotlight a jaw-dropping local home that has serious wow factor. Each week, we’ll take you inside one of the area’s most beautiful listings.

This week’s pick? A showstopper in Ellicott City. Fully remodeled in 2024, this stunner pairs timeless luxury with modern design. From the sweeping curved staircase to the double kitchen islands and coffered ceilings, every inch is dialed in for elegance. The gourmet kitchen boasts Viking appliances, a Sub-Zero fridge, and a dazzling designer tile backsplash. The open-concept main floor flows effortlessly into a sun-soaked morning room with pool views. Upstairs? A private primary suite retreat with spa bath, wet bar, and dual walk-in closets. Resort living, right at home!

Columbia’s about to get even spicier. Nash and Smashed, the halal Nashville-style chicken and burger joint from Virginia, is coming to the Merriweather District. The fast-casual spot will join the growing lineup at the Merriweather District — think wings, tenders, and fiery sandwiches. No opening date yet, but the buzz (and heat) is building! ($)

Movie magic is back at Columbia’s Snowden theater — at least for now. After Cinemark pulled the plug last month, Phoenix Theatres swooped in to reopen the beloved cinema on May 9. Fans can once again kick back in recliners and enjoy blockbusters on Maryland’s only 270-degree panoramic screen. But there’s a plot twist. The theater’s new owner, Florida-based Sterling Organization, has filed plans with Howard County to demolish the 58,000-square-foot building and replace it with a massive 187,500-square-foot warehouse.

Sterling bought the 9-acre site for $15.7 million, far less than the $26 million Regal paid back in 2019. Still, redevelopment plans are in the early stages and could take years to unfold. Phoenix Theatres has signed a multiyear lease and is already sprucing up the place with new signage, LED lights, and summer deals like free matinees and bottomless popcorn refills. So for now? Movie night lives on. ($)

Columbia’s about to get a whole lot sweeter. Aisha Applewhite, CEO and founder of AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe, is opening her first brick-and-mortar spot this summer at 6945 Oakland Mills Road. What started as a hobby with an Easy Bake Oven and work potlucks has blossomed into a booming bakery known for bold, mouthwatering creations. Think sweet potato cheesecake, lemon blueberry lavender pound cake, vegan apple brandy bread pudding, and gluten-free hopscotch cookies.

Applewhite, a Morgan State grad turned accountant-turned-baking powerhouse, has spent the past few years popping up at local festivals. Now, you’ll be able to grab her signature treats right from a display case or watch the magic happen in the shop’s decorating observation area.

Bonus: they’ll serve breakfast, beverages, and locally made ice cream. The countdown is on… and we can already smell the sugar in the air.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

This week’s featured event. . .

Save the Date for the Lakefront Live Summer Kickoff Block Party
Save the Date! Summer kicks off Sat, May 31 at Columbia Lakefront! From 4–7 pm, enjoy free kids’ activities (registration required), food trucks, a community beer garden, and free ice cream while supplies last. At 7 pm, New Orleans’ own Shamarr Allen brings the funk, jazz, and soul. Don’t miss this Lakefront Live season opener!

Food Truck Wednesdays are rolling into the Merriweather District from 11 AM–2 PM, every Wednesday

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

72 🌡️ 56 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 SE 7-13 mph

68 🌡️ 50 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 S 2-19 mph

59 🌡️ 52 | 🌧️ | 85% | 💨 W-NW 3-29 mph

Cured 1821 | Bob Butta 6pm

Cured 1821 | Jon Waller 6pm
Reckless Shepherd | Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos 7pm
Stained Glass Pub | Timmy Metz and Erich

Thanks for reading Columbia Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone whose daughter plays on the Glenelg girls lacrosse team and GO GLADIATORS!