$1.6 Billion School Budget Funds Pay Raises, Alternative Education Programs

In an effort to support programs in alternative education like Talented and Gifted and secondary school reform, the Prince George's County Board of Education approved a $1.689 billion budget for fiscal year 2014.

The approved budget is $5.5 million below the initial amount requested, according to county school officials, but $23.3 million more than the original budget approved for fiscal year 2013. 

“Despite enrollment challenges and rising costs, this budget will keep us on solid footing for the upcoming school year,” said Dr. Segun C. Eubanks, Board of Education Chair. “Providing a quality education for students remains our top priority, and we commend our staff for working diligently throughout the budget development process to identify additional cost savings, revenue sources and ways to streamline services.”

The school system is set to receive $942 million from the state of Maryland, and $624 million from the county, $106 million from the federal government and $15 from board sources. 

“This budget is in line with our priorities and allows us to make improvements on several fronts,” said Dr. Alvin Crawley, Interim Superintendent. “Knowing this budget season would be challenging, our team focused on priorities that support student needs, encourage innovation, maintain fiscal stability and support employees.”

According to the press release, the revised spending plan is 1.4 percent higher than the FY 2013 budget. But, the plan won't require reserve funds to balance the budget. 

The budget will fund pay raises for the employees, several educational programs, supporting the county’s Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative (TNI) and expanding grades in current charter schools. The school funds will also eliminate the $50 athletic fee for student-athletes. 

For more information, visit the FY2014 Operating Budget webpage by clicking here.