Howard County Schools Face Tough Budget Season Amid $68M Shortfall

The numbers don’t lie — and they’re causing big headaches. Howard County Superintendent Bill Barnes and Board of Education Chair Jolene Mosley issued a joint letter this week warning that “tough decisions are going to have to be made” to balance the schools’ FY26 budget. County Executive Calvin Ball proposed a $39.3 million increase above the state-required Maintenance of Effort for schools. It’s a strong commitment — 64% of the county’s general fund growth — but it still falls far short of the $107.3 million requested by the Board of Education in March.

Ball cited stagnant enrollment, rising costs, and significant state and federal budget cuts as reasons for the lower amount. “Without considerable tax increases on Howard County residents, there simply wasn’t going to be enough funding,” he said. The proposed budget also includes $6.7 million for educator pensions (a state-mandated shift) and $1.5 million in potential school safety funds.

Barnes and Mosley acknowledged Ball’s commitment, even as the school system braces for possible program cuts. Last year’s budget already forced reductions to staff and services. This year, additional pressures include meeting the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future requirements, growing special education needs, and inflation-driven costs. The County Council will vote on the budget in late May. Until then, school leaders are pledging full transparency as they assess the impact of the proposed funding. Public hearings and community feedback sessions are planned “Even so, we will continue to advocate for the resources necessary to ensure every student has the support and opportunity they need to succeed,” the letter read.

Bottom line? The next few weeks will be critical in deciding how Howard County Public Schools navigate another challenging budget season. Stay tuned.