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Operating Budget → Fiscal Year 2015  → Budget Brief: Collaborating to Serve Our Children

Collaborating to Serve Our Children

 
 
 
 

The Montgomery County Board of Education has recommended a $2.3 billion Operating Budget for next school year (2014–2015). The budget is a 4 percent increase over this year’s budget and is just 2.5 percent above the minimum funding level required by state law. This budget will allow MCPS to continue to provide all students with access to a world-class education while managing its enrollment growth. The budget also invests strategically in key areas that will allow MCPS to narrow the achievement gap and prepare students to thrive in their future.

One area of strategic investment is supporting community engagement and collaborative efforts that allow us to empower parents and build partnerships, so we can best meet all the needs of our students and their families. 

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THE NEED

Montgomery County Public Schools has a strong reputation for meeting the educational needs of its students. As the district’s enrollment grows, however, more students are coming to MCPS requiring supports and services that we cannot, alone, provide.

Over the years, MCPS has developed partnerships with county agencies, community organizations, non- profit groups and others to meet the holistic needs of students and their families. But more must be done to engage and empower the community if we are going to make sure our students are prepared to thrive in their future.

THE PLAN

The Board’s budget request includes $800,000 to expand existing partnerships that serve students and to hire staff that will engage parents, community members, and business leaders in preparing our children for success. These funds will—

  • Support the expansion of the Kennedy Cluster Project to the Watkins Mill Cluster. This project provides students and their families with access to support in the areas of education, health care, housing, financial assistance, legal aid, and more. Additional funding will be provided by the county.
  • Provide additional transportation to students who participate in Excel Beyond the Bell, which provides high-quality, after-school programs for students at six MCPS middle schools. This program is a collaborative effort among MCPS, the Montgomery County Collaboration Council, and the Montgomery County Department of Recreation, as well as nonprofit organizations and businesses.
  • Add parent community coordinators and other staff to the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, which will expand services to parents and engagement with the community.

GET INFORMED, STAY ENGAGED

The budget is now in the hands of the Montgomery County Executive and the Montgomery County Council.

Share your thoughts with them: