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Soon. This is chairwoman jane lichter. I call to order the meeting of the board of

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education of baltimore county for tuesday, january 13th, 2026.

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this evening's board of education meeting is being broadcast through the bcps

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online live meeting broadcast and on bcps tv, comcast

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xfinity, channel 1 0 7 3 and verizon fios, channel 34.

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in order to efficiently conduct this meeting, all voting items this evening will be done by

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roll call vote. May I have a motion to go into the closed session

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as permitted by the open meetings act as found in the annotated code of

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maryland general provisions article three dash 3 0 5

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b one b seven and b eight to discuss the appointment,

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employment assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation,

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removal, resignation or performance evaluation of appointees,

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employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction or any other

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personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals. Consult

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with counsel to obtain legal advice and consult with staff, consultants

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or other individuals about pending or potential litigation.

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so moves leski. Thank you. Is there a second? Second

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doki. Thank you. May I have a roll call vote please. Ms. He?

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yes. Ms. Fong.

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ms. Harvey? Yes. Ms. Abe?

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yes. Ms. Leski? Yes.

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dr. Savoy? Yes. Mr. Mcmillian? Yes.

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ms. Poey. Mr. Young?

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yes. Ms. Doki? Yes. Ms. Lichter? Yes.

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thank you. Thank you.

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good evening. This is chairwoman jane lichter. I now call to order the

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meeting of the board of education of baltimore county for tuesday, january 13th, 2026.

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I invite you to recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag to be led by ms. Foresight onga.

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we'll then have a moment of silence and recognition of those who have served education

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in baltimore county,

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ance to the flag of the united states of america and to

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the republic for which it stands, one nation under god,

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indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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thank you. Tonight's board of education

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meeting is being broadcast through the bcps online live meeting broadcast

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and on bcps tv, xfinity channel 1 0 7 3

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and verizon fios, channel 34. In order to efficiently conduct

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this meeting, all voting items this evening will be done by roll call vote.

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the first item on the agenda is the consideration of the january 13th agenda.

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are there any additions or changes to tonight's agenda, mr. Young?

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yes. Mr. Lichter. I move to add contract rbe dash 8 0 2

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dash 26 edgemere elementary school deed of easement to

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the, to the agenda as item l 24. Thank you.

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is there a second? Second eski. Thank you. Is there any discussion?

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may I have a roll call? Vote please. Ms. Hem? Yes.

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ms. Harvey? Yes. Ms. Oobe?

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yes. Ms. Leski? Yes. Dr. Savoy?

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yes. Mr. Mcmillian? Yes. Ms. Humphrey? Yes. Mr. Young?

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yes. Ms. Doki? Yes. Ms. Lichter? Yes. Thank you. Thank

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you. The revised agenda is approved

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and the agenda stands as now presented

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earlier this evening. The board met enclosed session pursuant to the open meetings act for

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the following reasons to discuss the appointment, employment assignment,

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promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation

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or performance evaluation of appointees, employees or officials over

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whom it has jurisdiction or any other personnel matter that affects one or more

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specific individuals. Consult with counsel to obtain legal advice

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and consult with staff, consultants or other individuals about pending or potential

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litigation. The closed session summary and the open session information summary

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can be found on board docs under the board meeting agenda date.

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the next item on the agenda is personnel matters, and for that I call on mr. Mccall.

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good evening. Good evening. Chair, ter, vice chair, harvey, superintendent, dr. Rogers

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and member board. I'd like the board's consent for the following

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personnel matters. Tonight we have retirements, resignations,

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leaves, and educator licensure appointments.

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thank you. Do I have a motion to approve the personnel matters as presented in exhibits

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d one through d four? So move

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young. Thank you. Do I have a second? Second, harvey.

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thank you. Any discussion?

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may I have a roll call vote please. Ms. He? Yes.

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ms. Harvey? Yes. Ms. Oobe? Yes.

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mr. Luki? Yes. Dr. Savoy? Yes. Mr. Mcmillian?

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yes. Ms. Ey? Yes. Mr. Young? Yes. Mr. Romanowski? Yes.

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ms. Ter? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Our

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next item is public comment. This is one of the opportunities the board provides to hear

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the views and receive the advice of community members. If not selected to address

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the board, members of the public may submit their comments to the board members

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via email@boeatbcps.org. The baltimore

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county police department's homeland security unit and office of school safety

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has recommended safety and security protocols, which are posted in

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the boardroom and available in board docs and on the board's participation

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by the public website. While we encourage public input on policy programs

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and practices within the purview of this board and this school system, this

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is not the proper form to address specific student or employee matters or

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to comment on matters that do not relate to public education in baltimore county.

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inappropriate personal remarks or other behaviors such as language that promotes

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violence against a-b-c-p-s employee or that disrupts or interferes with

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the conduct of this meeting are out of order and will not be tolerated. Persons

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who otherwise disrupt or disturb this meeting will not be allowed to continue their remarks and

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will be escorted from the meeting. Please observe the three minute clock, which will let you know when

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your time is up. The microphone will be turned off at the end of your time or prior to the time

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at the discretion of the board chair.

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at this time, we will start with school system affiliated groups and our

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speaker is ms. Leslie weber from our pta council of baltimore,

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and I believe she is virtual. Ms. Weber.

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yes, I'm here. Can you hear me? Hi. Yes. Good evening. Thank

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you. Good evening, chair lichter, vice chair harvey board of education members

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and dr. Rogers. I'm leslie weber, president of the pta council of

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baltimore county, a county council public hearing featuring testimony

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on ice and two bills to support and protect. Our immigrant mixed status community

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is taking place tonight, the chair of our justice equity, diversity

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and inclusion committee, edwin perez, who often testifies before the board

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of education registered to speak on behalf of pta council

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bill 97 25 would establish the office of immigrant affairs

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and a permanent chief of immigrant affairs bill 98 25.

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the trust act would ensure that county employees and police focus on public safety

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rather than civil immigration status. National pta recognizes

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that the separation of children from their families or the looming threat of it creates

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toxic stress and trauma that cause lifelong harm to a child's

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brain development. Many of us are aware that a number of bcps parents

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fear sending their children to school, which is a tragedy. These bills

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are about dignity, safety, and equity. They ensure that baltimore county is a place where

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every student, regardless of their family status, can reach their full potential.

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national pta's position, rights and services for children in immigrants

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and mixed status families asserts that all children have the right to a quality

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education. Adequate food and healthcare national pta

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recently shared important know your rights resources with members. These were

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resources from the national immigration law center and center for law and social

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policy, explained the rights of parents and caregivers who are being apprehended

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and detained resources from the immigrant family mental health

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advocacy program at the institute for juvenile research. Detail how

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families can talk to their children about what's happening with immigration enforcement.

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as noted in the national pta information shared with members, national

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pta urges everyone to take action to support policies, the support of safe and

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supportive school environment for all families and students, including students

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in immigrant and mixed status families. We're happy to share national pta's

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position and resource resources with anyone. Thank you. Thank you,

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ms. Weber. Our next category are our unions, and

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our first speaker is mr. Billy burke from case who is

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also virtual. Good evening chair,

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mrs. Lichter, members of the board and superintendent dr. Rogers. Thank

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you for the opportunity to speak to you on behalf of case. I want to begin

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by acknowledging the shared gravity of this moment. We are under no illusions

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regarding the fiscal climate facing our county. We recognize that

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the budget before you requires making the impossible choices that define

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leadership cases always sought to be a partner in these difficult

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conversations. In fact, just last year, our members stood in

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solidarity with the system by signing a memorandum of understanding

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to delay pay increases until january. We did that with one

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goal in mind to protect the positions and livelihoods of our case

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members and to prevent the very cuts we are discussing tonight.

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however, as we look at the fy 27 cost saving budget,

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we must be honest about the human cost of these efficiencies.

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the proposal to reduce 524.6 positions, including

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over 324 due to staffing formula changes, 40

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assistant principals positions and 36 central office

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positions reaches deep into the heart of our school communities. While

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these are presented as fiscal adjustments, they will be felt as service adjustments

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by the most important clients. We serve our students. When

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these cuts take effect, the environment changes. Fewer staff members will

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be available for the critical supervision of students at the car lines and in the hallways

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during arrival and dismissal. We must also acknowledge that 36

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central office positions being cut represent a loss of the vital expert

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backbone of our district. These individuals provide the specialized curriculum

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support, legal compliance and operational logistics that allow,

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that allow our school-based administrators to focus on their buildings.

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some case members were called to hr meetings today. I can only assume the

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reassignments have begun. When central offices thinned, the administrative

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burden inevitably shifts back to our principals and aps

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reducing 40 assistant principals place as places an immense burden

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on the remaining administrators who are already working at capacity to

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ensure safety and instructional excellence. Beyond the logistics, our

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administrators will spend the coming months as the primary support system

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for teachers and staff entering the priority transfer process

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to mitigate the instability of the this, that this causes

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cases making a formal request to the board tonight, as assistant principals

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and central office case members are reassigned dues to these cuts,

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we request that no new hires either internal or external

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be made until every single impacted case member has been

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placed in either a promotional or lateral position. We must prioritize

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the talent and dedication of those already serving bcps

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before looking elsewhere. We acknowledge that the cuts are unavoidable.

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however, we advocate tonight for the members of case who will bear the brunt

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of these reductions we proved last year through our mou there

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that we are willing to sacrifice to save jobs. Thank you

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for your time and your partnership. Thank you mr. Burke.

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our next speaker for unions is ms. Kelly olds from tabco.

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good evening. Good evening. Thank you. Chair

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lichter, vice chair harvey, dr. Rogers and members of the board for the opportunity

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to speak tonight. I want to acknowledge and appreciate that the

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budget presented yesterday includes the funding for the third year of our bilateral wage agreement.

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I particularly appreciate treating our bilateral wage agreements as fixed

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costs. We agreed to a three year contract so we could spend time

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focusing efforts on initiatives that advance students, educators, and schools

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away from the bar, and that is where we turn our attention

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now. These cuts are too deep. We are

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concerned they will be detrimental to the gains our educators have helped win

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with our students. We must work together to curb

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their scope, size, and impact. The reason I say we are concerned

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about these cuts instead of something more definitive is because we also

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call for additional transparency around these cuts. To have the

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public discussion about cuts and losses, the public needs to know fully

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what is planned. The more the public, including our county

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leaders at the courthouse in towson, understand what could be lost. The more we

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can together work to increase county funding to reduce the potential harms

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that would fall upon our students. In my 22 years at lans

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zone high school, we had years with large cuts, painful

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cuts to our faculty. The years after those cuts,

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morale was impacted. Students lost access to the adults and resources

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they needed. Class sizes grew to sometimes unmanageable numbers,

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which brought all the negative results of students having less access to

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caring adults working with them.

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sorry, I have to turn the page. It's got stuck. . It limited

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educators to work in small groups. It limited educator's ability

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to work in small groups with learners and reduced the individual attention. That can

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be the true catalyst for learning. I've also seen when

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former students come back to the school to see a beloved educator that is particularly

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heartbreaking when they find out that they have been transferred because of cuts.

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it reduces community continuity and works against the, and

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works against the gains in cultures outta school. All of

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this is to say the work now is to reduce the size of these cuts.

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I've said it here before I've said it to any of you that I've

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met with and I will say it again. Now let's work together

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transparently with our cards on the table to call for more

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than 2% over maintenance of effort at the budget budget release

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event. Yesterday, dr. Rogers talked about the loss of over 2000

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students from our system. We share the concern with student loss

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and firmly believe that we must maintain resources in our schools to

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continue to make baltimore county public schools the best place to educate children in this county.

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thank you, . Thank you, . Our next

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category are nonprofit community groups, and our first speaker is marietta english from

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the baltimore county naacp cp.

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good evening. Good evening.

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good evening. Chair lecter, vice chair harvey, board members and superintendent

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rogers. My name is marietta english and I'm chair of axo

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and the education committee for the baltimore county branch of the

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naacp. The baltimore county branch of the naacp

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represents the entire county and our membership is far and wide

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and I'm happy to be back after suffering from a fall and

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the flu. If you notice, I haven't been here, so I'm happy to be here to speak with you today.

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I would like to commend dr. Rogers and the staff of bcps on

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having high schools in the top 50 in the state, including pikesville

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where my granddaughter attends and will be graduating in may.

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and this is a great accomplishment for baltimore county public schools.

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I would like to commend dr. Rogers and the board and on the presentation

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of the budget yesterday. The accomplishments of baltimore county

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are outstanding. You have managed to do a lot with a little bit.

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I was happy to see that the labor agreements will be met. This

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is huge in the current environment. I know it was difficult,

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but your inclusions of all the stakeholders holders as you

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develop this budget is to be commended. I also said as

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on some of the committees as a, as we, what our

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budget priorities would be. We don't always get what we want.

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however, we have essentials that will help us as we move forward.

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we will be supporting you in annapolis as we fight for more funding

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for our schools. We want to continue the growth of our students.

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what you have accomplished with just a little is amazing.

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I wanna, again, thank you for your support of axo. I'm sure that

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our students in axo who participate are enriched

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by their experiences in the schools and help us move forward.

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I look forward to working with you, superintendent rogers and

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the board as we move forward. Thank you. Thank you. We're

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glad you're feeling better. Thank you. Our next speaker is jacob

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gerding from the maryland association of school librarians and also virtual

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mr. Gerding. Um, good evening, uh, members of

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the board and superintendent rogers. My name is jacob

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gerding. I am the president of act as well as the

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advocacy chair for the maryland association of school. Librarians.

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maslow's submission is to ensure every maryland student has equitable

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access to a high quality school library program

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while being teachers of record for up to two classes a day

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is less than ideal. We appreciate that bcps has worked

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to retain secondary library positions in this budget.

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the blueprint for maryland's future requires a total transformation

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of our secondary schools to ensure college and career readiness.

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a central strategy in the bcps blueprint implementation plan

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is the integration of project based learning. Pbl

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cannot succeed in a vacuum. It requires an instructional

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engine, a specialist who can collaborate across departments

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to teach students how to construct meme from complex research.

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a secondary librarian is that engine. When

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a librarian is, um, a teacher of record,

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you shut down the pbl hub for an entire school building

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during those hours. We recognize in this

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moment the immense staffing pressures facing bcps.

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we understand that in, in a fiscal crisis,

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scheduling a librarian to teach two classes a day is a

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necessary compromise. However, mazel must

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be clear this is not an ideal solution and

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going forward, it should not become a long term

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strategy. By making librarians teachers of record,

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you add the administrative weight of grade testing and conferences to

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a specialist who is already tasked with managing a school-wide digital

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collection and maintaining compliance with the freedom to read act.

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mazel urges the board to commit to a sunset for this strategy and

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to protect the flexible scheduling that makes secondary libraries work.

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do not avail a premier district to create library

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deserts in our middle and high schools. That's ensured that

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the blueprint for maryland's future remains a plan for student excellence

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with flexibly scheduled librarians and programs,

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uh, that by certified librarians they have proven records

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for improving student achievement. Thank you. Thank

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you. Our next category are individual

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citizens or students, and our first speaker is sharon soff.

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good evening. Good evening. I hope you can hear me with

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this on because I don't wanna spread what I have. Um,

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I'm sharon soff, um, and I am a special education

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advocate that's been working with this county for over 20 years.

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um, and I saw a headline this

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morning that greatly concerned me about

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increasing class size to 25 students per teacher.

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I deal with teachers and administrators and department

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of special ed on a daily basis and one of the things that

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comes up a lot is class size

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came up this morning at a meeting where a concerned parent was saying,

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well, what do I do? I have of

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my child in a class of 26 kids and she's in

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kindergarten. 26 kids in a kindergarten class

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shouldn't be happening. But my other alternative

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is take her off diploma track because

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there isn't a lot of the in between.

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we have to find a way to keep students in

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smaller classes because our teachers are already

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overburdened. They have fewer resources

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and I can tell you how difficult it is to get

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assistance, aides, paras, whatever you wanna call them, into

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classrooms in baltimore county when they can make

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more money in other districts.

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you can't hand, you can't handle 25 kids in

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a kindergarten class when you have ieps for

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behavior for developmental disabilities. It's just

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not a workable situation and I am

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getting so many phone calls from parents with younger kids

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this year that I am literally turning people away.

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I cannot handle that kind of a caseload.

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we know our special ed staff has been overburdened for a while.

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we have fewer speech and language therapists, fewer special ed

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teachers. We have to find a way to not

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cut staff and to not increase class size

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because the ones that are going to suffer the most are our students

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and I'm already seeing it at the lowest grade level.

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so I think that we should reconsider that class size.

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thank you. Thank you. And we hope you feel

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better too. Our next speaker is stacy nunn.

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good evening. Good evening. Good evening. Chair lichter

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to all board members and to dr. Um rogers superintendent, dr. Rogers.

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my name is stacy nunn. I'm a library media specialist at southwest academy

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who is enthusiastic and proud of this tireless work locally

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and nationally. This evening I volunteered to speak for school

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library media specialists in baltimore county as a unified voice

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to affirm the critical instructional role of certified library media

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specialists and the importance of our position. We've

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all seen the breakdown of blue blueprint for maryland's future

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and we are familiar with comar of course, but tonight

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I am pointing out directly to baltimore county public schools,

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um, policy 6,200. The board of education of

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baltimore county recognizes that the school library media centers provide equitable

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access to print and digital resources essential to 21st

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century learning, um, teaching and learning throughout the district

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school. Librarians uphold this policy daily by sustaining inclusive

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resource rich learning environments that support both students and staff.

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in alignment with the policy. Librarians collaborate and co-teach

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with classroom teachers to integrate information literacy

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research and technology skills and content area instruction. In

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addition to these core responsibilities, librarians manage comprehensive

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library programs that encompass collection development, digital

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resource management, student access, instructional technology support,

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and school-wide literacy initiatives. These duties are

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foundational to student achievement and require specialized training

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and certification. Collectively, baltimore county librarians

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represent a significant instructional workforce. Our strength lies

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in numbers. It also lies in our shared expertise and the consistent

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impact of schools across the district. At the same time,

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the scope of the responsibilities assigned to the librarians has expanded to

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include teach the teaching of two additional courses outside of our certified content

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area. As a result, library program data, including

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instructional reach, collaboration and access metrics,

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have been significantly impacted. Despite these measurable effects,

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school librarians have met this challenge with professionalism, adaptability,

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and continued commitment to students in schools. We raise these data

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informed considerations to advocate for thoughtful alignment between policy,

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practice and staffing while librarians continue to meet the expanded

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expectations. Um, sustaining high quality instruction,

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um, and equitable access at scale requires intentional support. In

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addition to maintaining our positions, aligning workload and non certi

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certificate instructional focus, we want to be reassured that

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um, baltimore county school library

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programs and

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thank you. Our next speaker is

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makita scott, who is virtual

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ms. Scott. Yes. Hi, good evening. Can you hear me okay? Yes.

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great. Good evening, chair lichter, vice chair harvey, members

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of the board and superintendent rogers. Thank you for

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the opportunity to speak this evening. I am here to follow up on the presentation

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delivered to the equity committee and a letter I sent to the full board

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regarding the equity council's recommendation for the fiscal year

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2027 operating budget. These recommendations

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are grounded in equity centered solutions that are essential

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so that baltimore county public schools can create a system where all students

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thrive. At the time of the presentation, the

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supporting documentation was not available. It has since been uploaded to

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board docs and I urge all board members to review it in full. The

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recommendations reflect the collective work of the equity council, community

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members, parents and educators whose lived experience and

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professional expertise informed this process. This was thoughtful,

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rigorous, work rooted in the real needs of our students and families. We look

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forward to the full board's discussion on how these recommendations can be meaningfully

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considered as part of the fiscal year 2027 budget.

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our expectation is not simply acknowledgement but transparent

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communication regarding feasibility next steps and timelines.

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equity requires follow through and we remain committed to working in partnership

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with the board to advance this work. I would also want like

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to request an update regarding the board's required anti-bias

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training for board members. Senate bill 2 93 requires due

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to board of education members to complete anti-bias training at least once during

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their term. This requirement took effect on july 1st, 2025.

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at this time, we are requesting written communication from board leadership outlining

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when this training will begin and when it will be completed. This is a matter of

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both compliance and leadership. Finally, I'm requesting an update on the policy

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introduced by ms. Ey at the prc committee meeting on april 1st, 2025,

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drafted by tabco and casa. This policy was intended to provide clear

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guidance to staff regarding parental consent for the release of information

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and access to know your rights resources. If the board does not plan to

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adopt this policy, we ask, uh, request a clear explanation

415
00:31:31,025 --> 00:31:34,965
of that decision and information about what policy will be used in its place.

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our schools and community really deserve clarity and consistency,

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so we thank you for your service and your attention to these matters. And we

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as the equity council, look forward to continued dialogue and concrete action in the

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interest of equity, transparency and accountability team. Thank

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00:31:52,725 --> 00:31:56,605
you very much. Have a good evening. Thank you. Our next speaker

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is ramona ba.

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good evening. Good evening, good 2026.

423
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I would say happy new year. Um, but based on everything that we've heard,

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there's a lot of consternation, there are a lot of legitimate concerns, there are a lot of pain.

425
00:32:25,295 --> 00:32:29,115
um, so I will say, um, good 2026 and we hope that it's

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a better, a better year for everyone. Um, many

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of you know me in my connection with the pta council. I come today wearing

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my other hat and that's a volunteer coordinator and a

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member of several national volunteer organizations, including americorps,

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a former organization called the campus outreach opportunity league, the

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corporate volunteer council of united way. I come in

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support of policy number 1260

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regarding volunteers and offer some, I don't know

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if this is a time to do that 'cause I couldn't figure out the agenda. Um, but

435
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to offer some suggestions and some feedback on how

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00:33:12,765 --> 00:33:16,665
we can look at volunteers in a new, especially in

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light of the current staffing and budget situation. I've lived

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long enough to know this is not new what we're going through, and I've

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lived long enough to know that there's talent, there're volunteers,

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and for some of my critics we're not saying have volunteers instead

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of staff, teachers and workers. What we're saying is there's a

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new look that we have to present on volunteers. First regarding

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00:33:41,725 --> 00:33:45,575
the policy. I would suggest that we include a statement about nonprofits

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as a part of that. Secondly, the policy is written, focuses

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almost entirely on training and what we are suggesting, what I'm

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00:33:55,245 --> 00:33:59,005
suggesting is that we include a statement that recognize the value

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of volunteers from a youth

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00:34:03,355 --> 00:34:06,765
volunteer organization perspective. According to united states

449
00:34:07,515 --> 00:34:09,865
sensors, volunteerism is rising.

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00:34:11,625 --> 00:34:14,885
um, 16 year olds and above are doing a lot of service.

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00:34:16,155 --> 00:34:19,925
75 million people are volunteering. The majority

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00:34:20,305 --> 00:34:23,725
of it comes from millennials. As we think about volunteerism,

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let's have a policy and I would offer that we add a b that

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will provide recognition for meaningful structured

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student youth volunteer programs. And I would also

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add a thank you and my c would be

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to add a recognition component. And I'm using this as a very public opportunity

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00:34:46,105 --> 00:34:49,965
to say thank you because a couple of years ago I was

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selected one of your volunteer champions. I hold that award out often.

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00:34:54,705 --> 00:34:58,475
my grandson says, why? I said, because it reminds me that

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I'm not finished. So those are my suggestions. And in addition to implementation,

462
00:35:03,865 --> 00:35:07,805
it says director, superintendent to implement the policy, excuse me,

463
00:35:07,925 --> 00:35:11,305
address respiratory issues. Um, I would say add rule 20,

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00:35:12,475 --> 00:35:15,915
rule 1260 because if I'm looking at this the first time,

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00:35:16,575 --> 00:35:18,685
there are other opportunities for me to get more information.

466
00:35:20,895 --> 00:35:22,425
thank you. We hope you feel better too.

467
00:35:24,945 --> 00:35:27,245
our last speaker is, um, bs farone.

468
00:35:41,195 --> 00:35:43,645
good evening. Good evening. Happy new year.

469
00:35:45,625 --> 00:35:49,095
uh, happy for accomplishments, I hope.

470
00:35:50,795 --> 00:35:54,565
um, please read my letter to you. I send my email. It's

471
00:35:55,175 --> 00:35:59,135
lengthy. Um, I want to focus

472
00:35:59,515 --> 00:36:03,245
on two points. I read,

473
00:36:03,825 --> 00:36:07,705
uh, the good job that the, uh, uh,

474
00:36:08,945 --> 00:36:12,065
the website has portrayed the students. So

475
00:36:13,405 --> 00:36:17,045
a few days ago, basically the front page talks about

476
00:36:18,065 --> 00:36:21,445
our students and what they accomplished

477
00:36:22,145 --> 00:36:26,125
in the year 2025. And it's an interview

478
00:36:26,745 --> 00:36:30,445
if you didn't see it with, uh, about 15 or maybe 20

479
00:36:31,045 --> 00:36:34,485
students. So the first person

480
00:36:36,195 --> 00:36:39,765
said, what accomplished in year 2025

481
00:36:41,755 --> 00:36:45,555
said, learning music. The second student said,

482
00:36:46,765 --> 00:36:50,565
I was accepted in college. That's great.

483
00:36:52,385 --> 00:36:56,315
the third one said, I got a job. The fourth one said

484
00:36:56,805 --> 00:37:00,565
I passed sat. The fifth

485
00:37:00,865 --> 00:37:04,675
one said, I got rid of bad friends.

486
00:37:06,865 --> 00:37:09,635
the sixth one said, I do not know.

487
00:37:12,135 --> 00:37:15,615
the seventh one said, finally I can

488
00:37:16,225 --> 00:37:20,185
make money. The f1 said, finally,

489
00:37:21,155 --> 00:37:22,695
I can grow a goatee.

490
00:37:25,535 --> 00:37:27,295
the next one said, I got a new car.

491
00:37:29,615 --> 00:37:33,355
and the last one very impressive. I finally

492
00:37:34,065 --> 00:37:36,275
made it to the end of the year.

493
00:37:38,175 --> 00:37:41,935
so as an observer, it's a good job

494
00:37:42,265 --> 00:37:46,235
done by the media department, but it really

495
00:37:46,605 --> 00:37:50,435
shows the low bar that is set by the current

496
00:37:51,015 --> 00:37:54,665
superintendent and the previous ones.

497
00:37:56,595 --> 00:38:00,025
students portray that their aspirations

498
00:38:01,815 --> 00:38:03,825
are low. Nobody said

499
00:38:06,275 --> 00:38:09,575
anything about their accomplishment in

500
00:38:10,365 --> 00:38:14,305
doing research or accepting accepted in hopkins

501
00:38:15,175 --> 00:38:18,745
or university or research institution

502
00:38:19,535 --> 00:38:23,355
or anything like that. You know, it's about making money. It's about

503
00:38:24,015 --> 00:38:27,975
goatee music, et cetera. And I, I think if

504
00:38:28,195 --> 00:38:32,015
you add that to the, um,

505
00:38:32,765 --> 00:38:34,185
small amount of improvement

506
00:38:37,355 --> 00:38:41,205
that the superintendent has made, which I talked about,

507
00:38:42,705 --> 00:38:46,085
the system is not really set for progress.

508
00:38:50,095 --> 00:38:54,045
thank you. I know three

509
00:38:54,325 --> 00:38:56,965
minutes just flies by .

510
00:38:59,565 --> 00:39:03,465
the next item on the agenda is the superintendent's report, and for that I call

511
00:39:03,625 --> 00:39:07,625
on dr. Rogers. Thank you. Good evening,

512
00:39:08,555 --> 00:39:12,365
chair lichter, vice chair harvey, and members of the board. Um, at

513
00:39:12,585 --> 00:39:16,585
this time, the communications team has, uh, provided a

514
00:39:16,705 --> 00:39:20,605
preview of the budget presentation. Um, all of you who are

515
00:39:21,585 --> 00:39:25,225
familiar with team bcps know that we have been engaging in these conversations

516
00:39:25,905 --> 00:39:29,605
around the fiscal climate for the last three years. Um,

517
00:39:30,085 --> 00:39:33,815
and so we're gonna take a look back at some of the conversations that

518
00:39:34,105 --> 00:39:37,835
we've had in the community, um, along with what our priorities

519
00:39:38,505 --> 00:39:40,705
have been focused on our students. Thank you.

520
00:39:48,635 --> 00:39:52,415
our systems key priorities and investments are all focused on moving bcps

521
00:39:53,095 --> 00:39:56,865
forward. We know that implementation science tells us that it takes about

522
00:39:57,215 --> 00:40:00,375
three years of investing in an infrastructure,

523
00:40:01,715 --> 00:40:05,635
really focusing on professional development and implementation before

524
00:40:06,195 --> 00:40:09,935
we start to see student progress move forward. We are fortunate,

525
00:40:10,875 --> 00:40:14,575
uh, in bcps that it has not taken three years before we have started

526
00:40:14,955 --> 00:40:18,575
to see progress in our students. Baltimore county public schools

527
00:40:19,035 --> 00:40:22,935
has invested in early childhood education, high quality and diverse

528
00:40:23,575 --> 00:40:27,115
teachers and leaders, college and career readiness opportunities for

529
00:40:27,735 --> 00:40:31,475
students and more resources to ensure that all of our students are

530
00:40:31,865 --> 00:40:35,695
successful. This will be another difficult budget cycle for our school

531
00:40:35,895 --> 00:40:39,455
system and other leas across the state with the continued

532
00:40:40,005 --> 00:40:43,375
expansion and implementation of the blueprint and probable

533
00:40:44,065 --> 00:40:47,895
lower federal, state, and local revenue. For this

534
00:40:48,135 --> 00:40:52,125
reason, we will ensure that our communities understand the differences between

535
00:40:52,635 --> 00:40:56,475
the operating budget and the capital budget processes, know how our

536
00:40:56,695 --> 00:41:00,695
funding is spent and accounted for, and understand how different roles

537
00:41:01,115 --> 00:41:04,415
across team bcps directly impact the experiences

538
00:41:05,235 --> 00:41:09,135
of our students. We have spent the last several months engaging our staff,

539
00:41:09,895 --> 00:41:13,535
families, and stakeholders in conversations about the budget and priority areas

540
00:41:13,995 --> 00:41:17,935
for our system. It is important to us that our community knows and understands

541
00:41:18,535 --> 00:41:22,355
sources of bcps funding, how funding is spent, and

542
00:41:22,575 --> 00:41:26,475
where they can find additional information. As we did with the last two budget cycles,

543
00:41:27,115 --> 00:41:31,015
we will ensure that we give extra scrutiny to all budget submissions to help

544
00:41:31,575 --> 00:41:35,195
identify potential savings that can be redirected to offset potential

545
00:41:35,815 --> 00:41:38,805
shortfalls. Over the past two fiscal years, bcps

546
00:41:39,865 --> 00:41:43,645
has made more than $168 million in reductions and eliminated

547
00:41:44,685 --> 00:41:48,285
hundreds of positions to address budget shortfalls and including

548
00:41:48,895 --> 00:41:52,605
69 supervisory level positions. I'll submit

549
00:41:53,045 --> 00:41:56,165
a balanced proposed budget to the board of education for its review and deliberation.

550
00:41:57,315 --> 00:42:01,205
some key things to note about the proposed budget, it will be aligned to the county

551
00:42:01,405 --> 00:42:04,765
target of a 2% increase above what we receive in fy 26.

552
00:42:05,825 --> 00:42:09,045
the proposed budget will include the full year three compensation package

553
00:42:09,865 --> 00:42:13,615
for team bcps staff and to ensure that the budget is balanced and meets

554
00:42:13,965 --> 00:42:17,845
the county target. It will also include additional reductions.

555
00:42:18,785 --> 00:42:22,625
my commitment to you and to all of our employees is

556
00:42:23,055 --> 00:42:27,005
unwavering. I wanna use this time to speak not only

557
00:42:27,185 --> 00:42:31,105
to that commitment, but to reground us in what we

558
00:42:31,325 --> 00:42:35,305
are all committed to, which are the 111,000 students that we

559
00:42:35,525 --> 00:42:39,425
serve. My commitment to you is that I'm going to respond to

560
00:42:39,705 --> 00:42:43,565
our students. I'm going to make sure that everything that we

561
00:42:43,745 --> 00:42:47,705
do puts our students first, not only in

562
00:42:47,955 --> 00:42:51,835
word, but indeed sustaining our forward progress will

563
00:42:52,125 --> 00:42:56,085
require continued investment in the priority focus areas that we know

564
00:42:56,585 --> 00:43:00,405
are working for our system. These investments will yield positive results,

565
00:43:01,065 --> 00:43:03,765
not just for our system, but also for the county and the state.

566
00:43:16,485 --> 00:43:20,415
next on the agenda is the chair's report, and welcome to our first board of education

567
00:43:20,855 --> 00:43:24,745
meeting of 2026 and happy new year. I hope everyone had a restful winter break.

568
00:43:25,765 --> 00:43:29,535
many thanks to tap go and e-s-p-b-c for organizing their annual

569
00:43:29,965 --> 00:43:33,455
legislative breakfast at summit park elementary school this past saturday.

570
00:43:34,235 --> 00:43:38,095
the event gives elected officials and board members an opportunity to hear and discuss

571
00:43:38,515 --> 00:43:42,215
the efforts of team bcps focusing on successes as well as areas

572
00:43:42,685 --> 00:43:46,535
needing improvement. I appreciate my fellow board of members and the many

573
00:43:46,695 --> 00:43:50,255
elected officials who dedicated their saturday morning to attend, listen

574
00:43:50,715 --> 00:43:54,535
and engage in conversation. Thanks as well to tapco and e-s-p-b-c

575
00:43:55,375 --> 00:43:59,235
members who joined us. Your participation and insights are essential as

576
00:43:59,455 --> 00:44:03,175
we work together to advance our system. I would also like to express

577
00:44:03,515 --> 00:44:07,245
my appreciation for the opportunity I had to visit woodlawn middle school last

578
00:44:07,535 --> 00:44:11,175
friday. As we initiate the fy 27 budget approval process,

579
00:44:12,195 --> 00:44:16,095
it is essential to remain focused on our core purpose, our commitment to

580
00:44:16,255 --> 00:44:20,135
improving student outcomes for all bcps students. Visiting classrooms

581
00:44:20,735 --> 00:44:24,645
allowed us to watch and listen to teaching and learning. There was mutual respect

582
00:44:25,185 --> 00:44:28,615
among staff and students. Notable examples of student leadership

583
00:44:29,235 --> 00:44:33,165
and environment that was both safe and well organized. I'm very proud of the

584
00:44:33,285 --> 00:44:37,005
work that is being done at woodlawn middle school under ms. Arch's leadership,

585
00:44:37,865 --> 00:44:41,805
and I realized that we witnessed is not an anomaly, but rather an example of the

586
00:44:41,965 --> 00:44:45,485
hard work our school leaders and staff are doing throughout bcps

587
00:44:46,145 --> 00:44:49,715
on behalf of our students. This brings us to our budget. Shortly.

588
00:44:50,305 --> 00:44:54,145
dr. Rogers will present the proposed fy 27 budget. I'd

589
00:44:54,365 --> 00:44:58,315
like to thank her for assembling our school and system leadership team together yesterday

590
00:44:59,385 --> 00:45:03,045
and providing a detailed overview of the proposed budget. Our presentation

591
00:45:03,565 --> 00:45:07,245
offered valuable insight into the process and the

592
00:45:07,645 --> 00:45:11,605
rationale behind the recommendations. I appreciate her commitment to presenting

593
00:45:12,045 --> 00:45:16,005
a balanced budget while prioritizing full funding for our staff's compensation

594
00:45:16,725 --> 00:45:20,595
packages. This reflects her ongoing discussions with our county executive,

595
00:45:21,965 --> 00:45:25,755
specifically the percentage above maintenance of effort that the county executive has indicated

596
00:45:26,665 --> 00:45:30,405
she would support achieving this funding priority. A full compensation

597
00:45:31,185 --> 00:45:34,775
for staff requires careful adjustments in other budgetary areas.

598
00:45:35,905 --> 00:45:39,715
the difficult decisions proposed have been informed by staff and community surveys.

599
00:45:40,625 --> 00:45:44,425
dr. Rogers direct engagement with stakeholders across the county and

600
00:45:44,725 --> 00:45:47,565
a research driven approach to budgetary reductions.

601
00:45:48,825 --> 00:45:52,485
dr. Rogers, based on all information gathered, is putting forward a balanced budget

602
00:45:52,995 --> 00:45:56,725
that reflects substantial input and thoughtful planning in a challenging fiscal

603
00:45:57,115 --> 00:46:00,045
time. Though we are just at the start of the approval process,

604
00:46:01,145 --> 00:46:04,845
I'd like to thank all those who contributed their feedback and to all of the staff

605
00:46:05,225 --> 00:46:09,165
for the hard work that has been accomplished so far. While bcps has seen

606
00:46:09,325 --> 00:46:13,325
notable progress over the past three years, more is needed for every

607
00:46:13,605 --> 00:46:17,485
student to succeed. It's imperative that our budget decisions keep student

608
00:46:17,725 --> 00:46:21,725
achievement at the forefront. Next on our agenda is our student

609
00:46:22,085 --> 00:46:25,995
member of the board report. Good

610
00:46:26,285 --> 00:46:29,905
evening board chair, mrs. Lichter, vice chair, mrs. Harvey, superintendent. Dr. Rogers

611
00:46:30,715 --> 00:46:34,485
members of the board, staff families and bcps students.

612
00:46:35,185 --> 00:46:38,885
the new year has started with momentum and collaboration across baltimore county public schools.

613
00:46:39,865 --> 00:46:43,805
one of the most meaningful projects this month has been working last month has been working with our

614
00:46:43,965 --> 00:46:47,805
office of school safety to develop a student centered psa explaining the il you guys

615
00:46:48,355 --> 00:46:52,325
emergency response protocol. Ensuring that every student understands what to do in

616
00:46:52,485 --> 00:46:56,445
an emergency is essential, and I'm grateful to be a part of contributing to a resource that will continue to support

617
00:46:56,725 --> 00:47:00,725
school safety in all of our schools. I've also been working closely with

618
00:47:01,005 --> 00:47:05,005
fellow board members to restructure and strengthen our area education advisory councils so they

619
00:47:05,125 --> 00:47:08,645
better reflect the needs, identities, and voices of students and families they serve.

620
00:47:09,555 --> 00:47:13,165
alongside this, I had the opportunity to attend the annual tapco and e-s-p-b-c

621
00:47:13,885 --> 00:47:17,775
legislative breakfast where I heard directly from educators and legislators about

622
00:47:18,125 --> 00:47:22,085
policy shaping our classrooms. I've also been recently recruiting students

623
00:47:22,165 --> 00:47:25,985
for this year's student handbook review committee to ensure policy decisions remain grounded in

624
00:47:26,205 --> 00:47:30,165
student experience. But the highlight of these past few months has undoubtedly been

625
00:47:30,405 --> 00:47:34,085
the series of school visits. From conversations with administrators to listening

626
00:47:34,525 --> 00:47:38,525
sessions with students, each visit offered something uniquely powerful. I heard about

627
00:47:39,005 --> 00:47:42,685
activity buses expanding access to afterschool programs. I heard of pizzas with principals.

628
00:47:43,345 --> 00:47:47,345
events that help rising sixth graders build early relationships with school leadership. And

629
00:47:47,565 --> 00:47:51,525
I even heard about the inspiring learning and earning approach at general john stricker middle

630
00:47:51,725 --> 00:47:55,665
school, where students are motivated to stay engaged, accountable, and supported. Across

631
00:47:56,085 --> 00:48:00,045
the across the county. Principal advisory councils are thriving and it's encouraging to

632
00:48:00,165 --> 00:48:02,485
see students not only included but uplifted within their school communities.

633
00:48:04,385 --> 00:48:08,225
our baltimore county student councils has been going strong and we're excited to be hosting the

634
00:48:08,685 --> 00:48:12,585
maryland association of student councils on january 20 at lock grave high school for

635
00:48:12,805 --> 00:48:16,685
their annual legislative session. This is one of the most important events of the year where

636
00:48:17,125 --> 00:48:21,065
students from across the state come together to debate and pass ma's official bill stances for

637
00:48:21,285 --> 00:48:25,205
the legislative session. As one of ma's state legislative affairs

638
00:48:25,485 --> 00:48:28,605
coordinators, I'm grateful for the opportunity to help facilitate these conversations.

639
00:48:29,825 --> 00:48:33,785
during this session, we will also select the finalist for the position of the state student member on

640
00:48:34,005 --> 00:48:37,645
the board. An essential step in elevating strong student leadership at the state level.

641
00:48:38,325 --> 00:48:42,085
I hope to see many bcps students present as we come into the new year.

642
00:48:42,485 --> 00:48:46,365
I also wanted to use this as an opportunity to restate and clarify the m's role.

643
00:48:47,065 --> 00:48:50,725
the student member serves as a bridge between students and the board, bringing forward student perspectives,

644
00:48:51,365 --> 00:48:55,085
highlighting concerns, and ensuring the lived experiences of young people guide decision making.

645
00:48:55,945 --> 00:48:59,805
the smop provides insight. Insight that only someone living the day-to-day reality of

646
00:49:00,005 --> 00:49:03,965
our schools can offer. In essence, the sm ensures that students are not just talked about but

647
00:49:04,165 --> 00:49:08,165
truly heard. Thank you and happy new year to every student, stakeholder, decision

648
00:49:08,485 --> 00:49:12,485
maker and educator who continues to speak up, engage and contribute to making our school system stronger.

649
00:49:13,535 --> 00:49:16,765
thank you. The next item on the agenda is unfinished

650
00:49:17,645 --> 00:49:21,465
business, the proposed fy 2027 county capital budget. And

651
00:49:21,685 --> 00:49:22,995
for that I call on dr. Grim.

652
00:49:34,425 --> 00:49:38,035
good evening. Good evening. Chair lecter, vice chair harvey, members of the board superintendent

653
00:49:38,695 --> 00:49:42,345
dr. Rogers, uh, here this evening for the board's,

654
00:49:42,855 --> 00:49:46,635
uh, vote and hopefully approval on the, uh, capital

655
00:49:47,295 --> 00:49:51,195
budget request. Okay, thank you. May I have a motion to approve

656
00:49:51,475 --> 00:49:55,195
the superintendent's proposed fy 2027 county capital budget.

657
00:49:57,565 --> 00:50:01,165
so move young. Thank you. Is there a second? Second hen.

658
00:50:01,595 --> 00:50:02,825
thank you. Any discussion?

659
00:50:06,305 --> 00:50:10,235
just check teams. Okay.

660
00:50:10,525 --> 00:50:13,985
may I have a roll call vote please. Ms. Hen? Yes. Ms. Harvey?

661
00:50:16,625 --> 00:50:20,585
yes. Ms. Oobe? Yes. Ms. Leski? Yes. Dr.

662
00:50:21,055 --> 00:50:24,225
savoy? Yes. Mr. Mcmillian? Yes. Ms. Humphrey?

663
00:50:25,065 --> 00:50:29,005
yes. Mr. Young? Yes. Ms. Doki? Yes. Ms. Lichter?

664
00:50:29,705 --> 00:50:33,395
yes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Okay.

665
00:50:33,865 --> 00:50:36,875
one second. Okay,

666
00:50:38,465 --> 00:50:42,045
the next item on the agenda is unfinished business report on board

667
00:50:42,605 --> 00:50:46,325
policies. This is the second reader for these policies and for that I call ms. Christina

668
00:50:46,725 --> 00:50:50,615
pumphrey, chair of the policy review committee. Thank

669
00:50:50,965 --> 00:50:54,645
you. Members of the board, the policy review committee asks that the board accept the committee's

670
00:50:55,125 --> 00:50:58,805
recommendation to amend the following board policies, board policy 1260

671
00:50:59,445 --> 00:51:03,405
school volunteers board policy 1600 publics charter schools

672
00:51:04,375 --> 00:51:07,645
board policy, excuse me, 32 10 purchasing guidelines.

673
00:51:08,615 --> 00:51:12,525
these policies are presented to you on tonight's agenda as exhibits j one through

674
00:51:13,005 --> 00:51:16,805
j three. Thank you ms. Ey, board members, are there any separations

675
00:51:17,405 --> 00:51:21,115
being requested? Okay.

676
00:51:23,555 --> 00:51:27,195
okay. Then may I have a motion to accept the recommendations of the board's

677
00:51:27,685 --> 00:51:30,125
policy review committee for board policies? Twelve sixty sixteen hundred and thirty two.

678
00:51:33,665 --> 00:51:37,315
10. So moved. Thank you. Is there a sec? Oh, we don't need that because

679
00:51:39,295 --> 00:51:43,125
comes from the board, from the committee. So may I have a roll call vote

680
00:51:43,325 --> 00:51:47,185
please. Ms. Han? Yes. Ms. From, um,

681
00:51:47,405 --> 00:51:51,095
ms. Harvey? Yes. Msee? Yes. Mr.

682
00:51:51,665 --> 00:51:53,005
luki? Yes. Dr. Savoy?

683
00:51:56,495 --> 00:52:00,135
I'm sorry. Yes. Thank you. Mr. Mcmillion? Yes. Ms. Humphrey? Yes.

684
00:52:00,855 --> 00:52:04,645
mr. Young? Yes. Ms. Doki? Yes. Ms. Lichter? Yes. Thank

685
00:52:04,995 --> 00:52:08,795
you. Thank you. The next item on the agenda is action

686
00:52:09,115 --> 00:52:12,215
taken in closed session. And for that I call on ms. Ti.

687
00:52:22,745 --> 00:52:26,555
good evening. Good evening, chair. Lichter, vice chair harvey.

688
00:52:27,095 --> 00:52:30,815
dr. Rogers, members of the board this evening enclosed session you

689
00:52:31,275 --> 00:52:35,225
considered and took action in appeal hea 26 dash 0 1 0.

690
00:52:37,265 --> 00:52:40,715
this would be an appropriate time for the board to approve that action.

691
00:52:41,805 --> 00:52:45,755
thank you. May I have a motion to approve the action taken enclosed session on hearing

692
00:52:46,115 --> 00:52:50,035
examiner case hea 26 dash oh one oh and authorized

693
00:52:50,455 --> 00:52:52,835
ms. Gover to sign for those board members not physically present.

694
00:52:56,335 --> 00:53:00,295
so moved. Whoop . So move ms.

695
00:53:00,805 --> 00:53:04,615
leski. Is there a second? Second, dominos. Thank you. Any

696
00:53:04,835 --> 00:53:04,835
discussion?

697
00:53:08,865 --> 00:53:11,865
may I have a roll call though, please? Ms. Ham? Yes. Ms. Harvey?

698
00:53:14,625 --> 00:53:18,575
yes. Ms. Abe? Yes. Ms. Ky? Yes. Dr. Savoy?

699
00:53:19,865 --> 00:53:22,355
yes. Mr. Mcmillion? Yes. Ms. Poey abstain.

700
00:53:24,465 --> 00:53:28,455
mr. Young? Yes. Ms. Doki? Yes. Ms. Lichter? Yes. Thank

701
00:53:28,805 --> 00:53:32,645
you. Thank you. The next item on the agenda is contract. Oh, thank

702
00:53:32,885 --> 00:53:36,805
you. The next item on the agenda is contract awards. And for that I call him mr. Young

703
00:53:37,695 --> 00:53:41,645
chair of the building and contracts committee. Members of the

704
00:53:41,765 --> 00:53:44,605
board, the board's building and contracts committee met on monday, january 12th, 2026.

705
00:53:46,855 --> 00:53:50,785
items l one through l 24 were forwarded to the full board for

706
00:53:51,205 --> 00:53:55,125
approval. Thank you mr. Young. Board members, are there any requests for

707
00:53:55,245 --> 00:53:59,075
separations? Okay.

708
00:54:00,985 --> 00:54:04,725
do I have a motion to approve items l one through l 24.

709
00:54:09,425 --> 00:54:13,325
so moved ky. Thank you. No second is needed since the recommendation comes

710
00:54:13,565 --> 00:54:16,475
from the committee. Any discussion mr. Mcmillian?

711
00:54:18,185 --> 00:54:22,045
uh, yesterday evening I got cut off

712
00:54:22,205 --> 00:54:26,105
during the building and contracts committee. I was actually in a school and the service was

713
00:54:26,485 --> 00:54:30,365
terrible and I got disconnected on the last contract

714
00:54:30,665 --> 00:54:34,385
on the spares point contract for the track replacement. What's

715
00:54:34,805 --> 00:54:38,635
the timeline of that, ms. ?

716
00:54:40,505 --> 00:54:44,485
um, this summer as well. Excuse me. It'll be this summer. They'll be

717
00:54:44,765 --> 00:54:48,625
starting. Um, you need to come to my, the microphone is azaria. I'm

718
00:54:48,845 --> 00:54:49,365
sorry. It's okay.

719
00:54:55,355 --> 00:54:59,215
the timeline in this one is similar to the other three that we've already

720
00:54:59,415 --> 00:55:03,225
taken. Um, they'll be starting in the spring and, and it'll

721
00:55:03,575 --> 00:55:07,555
be completed over the summer. So we'll be starting in

722
00:55:07,775 --> 00:55:11,695
spring of 26 here in a couple months. Yes. Have you,

723
00:55:12,555 --> 00:55:15,975
I'm assuming we coordinated with the school and the athletics and everything.

724
00:55:16,885 --> 00:55:20,735
okay. Thank you. Thank you. Any further discussion?

725
00:55:24,155 --> 00:55:28,015
may I have a roll call? Vote please. Ms. Ham?

726
00:55:28,235 --> 00:55:32,075
yes. Ms. Harvey? Yes. Ms. Abe?

727
00:55:32,515 --> 00:55:36,275
yes. Mr. Ky? Yes. Dr. Savoy? Yes.

728
00:55:36,675 --> 00:55:39,715
mr. Mcmillion? Yes. Ms. Humphrey? Yes. Mr. Young?

729
00:55:40,755 --> 00:55:44,665
yes. Ms. Doki? Yes. Ms. Lichter? Yes. Thank you. Thank

730
00:55:45,015 --> 00:55:48,895
you. The next item on the agenda is the report on artificial

731
00:55:49,315 --> 00:55:52,755
and turf grass fields. And for that I call on dr. Grim. And mr.

732
00:55:53,655 --> 00:55:57,575
s good timing, .

733
00:56:06,445 --> 00:56:10,195
good evening. Good evening. Good evening, chair lichter, vice chair harvey, superintendent dr. Rogers

734
00:56:11,265 --> 00:56:15,055
board. Uh, mr. S and I are here this evening to provide

735
00:56:15,455 --> 00:56:18,275
a report on artificial and grass turf fields.

736
00:56:23,105 --> 00:56:27,045
so our purpose this evening is, uh, to share with you our status

737
00:56:27,435 --> 00:56:31,345
regarding artificial and grass turf fields. Um, and briefly to

738
00:56:31,565 --> 00:56:35,525
share with you. So bcps and rec and parks have collaborated

739
00:56:36,425 --> 00:56:40,385
to develop and maintain athletic fields to effectively serve our, our

740
00:56:40,605 --> 00:56:44,225
schools in our communities. And this really started back in 2006.

741
00:56:46,145 --> 00:56:49,895
um, it started, uh, for a need based on durability

742
00:56:50,945 --> 00:56:54,595
and playability because our fields were being so heavily

743
00:56:55,355 --> 00:56:59,135
used, um, and we were struggling to maintain those natural grass,

744
00:56:59,745 --> 00:57:03,485
uh, turf fields. Alright, good

745
00:57:03,765 --> 00:57:07,685
evening. Um, there's been a lot of discussion nationally regarding synthetic turf fields

746
00:57:07,945 --> 00:57:11,885
and natural grass at all levels of sport. Uh, I would like to highlight and

747
00:57:12,085 --> 00:57:15,635
provide information regarding some of the differences as pertains to first heat.

748
00:57:16,385 --> 00:57:20,135
um, as many of you are aware, um, natural grass,

749
00:57:20,745 --> 00:57:24,205
uh, surfaces normally don't extend over a hundred degrees even in hot weather,

750
00:57:24,905 --> 00:57:28,765
uh, whereas your synthetic fields can exceed 150 degrees in hot weather. Fortunately

751
00:57:29,545 --> 00:57:33,365
for us, um, each one of our schools is equipped with a wet ball globe thermometer that

752
00:57:33,565 --> 00:57:37,325
our athletic trainers and athletic directors use, which accurately measures direct

753
00:57:37,825 --> 00:57:41,565
sun heat, and coupled with our heat guidelines, prevent us from having kids out and extenuating

754
00:57:42,085 --> 00:57:46,065
heat on these surfaces. Um, as it pertains to safety, um,

755
00:57:46,295 --> 00:57:50,205
older turf fields have shown higher rates of foot and ankle injuries, but subsequently,

756
00:57:51,015 --> 00:57:54,965
newer turf systems show no difference between the two as it relates

757
00:57:55,475 --> 00:57:59,265
into 70, 72% of most studies. Um, concussions for

758
00:57:59,745 --> 00:58:03,085
all competitive sports were lower on ter synthetic turf fields. However,

759
00:58:04,185 --> 00:58:07,685
uh, there have been a few studies among high school football players where there was a rising

760
00:58:08,225 --> 00:58:11,915
in concussion rates. Um, this is normally a generally linked to increased

761
00:58:12,595 --> 00:58:16,525
turf usage and poor turf maintenance. So if you're not taking care of the field the way

762
00:58:16,645 --> 00:58:20,415
it's supposed to, chances are more than likely that you are pro, um, prone

763
00:58:20,765 --> 00:58:24,315
to some more injuries. Um, as it pertains to environmental impacts,

764
00:58:25,045 --> 00:58:28,845
synthetic turf fields hindered water infiltration and has disposed challenges with

765
00:58:29,365 --> 00:58:33,295
chemical concerns from the crumb. Uh, rubber infill natural grass

766
00:58:33,645 --> 00:58:37,565
requires heavy irrigation and chemicals impacting water use and waterway quality

767
00:58:38,355 --> 00:58:42,355
despite ecological benefits. Um, bcps is looking into

768
00:58:42,645 --> 00:58:46,405
alternative fillers. I mean, as you guys know, a lot of the, um, conversation

769
00:58:47,465 --> 00:58:51,365
is regarding, uh, the rubber crumb infill. Um, but we are looking

770
00:58:51,565 --> 00:58:55,325
towards plant-based alternatives and cork, um, solutions to alleviate concerns

771
00:58:55,885 --> 00:58:59,525
around the ground rubber, um, trade offs and considerations to be considered,

772
00:59:00,105 --> 00:59:03,905
uh, choosing between turf and grass involves balance, balance and safety, sustainability,

773
00:59:04,805 --> 00:59:08,365
operational feasibility, and I say that bcps and b and recreation

774
00:59:08,885 --> 00:59:12,805
and parks have benefited from the installation of turf fields across the county. Next slide.

775
00:59:14,425 --> 00:59:17,765
um, bcps, um, recreation and parks collaboration on turf installation

776
00:59:18,665 --> 00:59:22,525
at most of our high schools has been a complete success. Uh, currently there are

777
00:59:22,685 --> 00:59:26,065
seven bcps high school sites that do not have synthetic, synthetic fields.

778
00:59:27,015 --> 00:59:30,885
these schools include chesapeake, delaney, eastern tech lock, raven owens mills,

779
00:59:31,165 --> 00:59:35,115
patapsco, and western tech. It is important to note that eastern tech and western tech,

780
00:59:35,625 --> 00:59:39,485
um, both, uh, s both essex and uh, catonsville community

781
00:59:39,905 --> 00:59:43,885
to host, uh, a majority of their athletic games that, uh, are on turf fields.

782
00:59:44,555 --> 00:59:48,405
next slide. Status and funding. So where are we at?

783
00:59:48,865 --> 00:59:52,745
um, uh, here's the status and the funding information. As it pertains to the schools who

784
00:59:52,965 --> 00:59:56,805
currently do not have turf fields. Chesapeake high school, there is a local bond

785
00:59:57,085 --> 01:00:01,025
initiative in place for partial funding of design. Uh,

786
01:00:01,355 --> 01:00:05,225
they would need additional funding, uh, will be required to complete the design, and

787
01:00:05,445 --> 01:00:08,405
then any, for any type of, uh, installation of a turf field.

788
01:00:10,035 --> 01:00:13,525
delaney high school. Um, there is, um, a replacement

789
01:00:14,195 --> 01:00:18,005
scheduled for turf field in their new design. So they are scheduled to get a turf

790
01:00:18,245 --> 01:00:21,685
field installed, um, with the new design at delaney high school.

791
01:00:22,475 --> 01:00:26,125
eastern tech also has a local bond initiative for feasibility planning

792
01:00:26,605 --> 01:00:30,285
services for athletic master plan. Presently, there is conjecture regarding

793
01:00:30,725 --> 01:00:33,925
the amount of space that they have on campus and the ability with that type of field there.

794
01:00:34,985 --> 01:00:38,925
uh, western tech does not have any field space. They play all their

795
01:00:39,085 --> 01:00:42,905
games off campus, hence it's why they used the community college. Uh, so there's nothing in

796
01:00:43,125 --> 01:00:46,895
place for them and there is no funding at this time regarding the situations at owens

797
01:00:47,255 --> 01:00:51,045
mills and lock raven. So with that, I will turn it back over to dr. Grim. Next slide.

798
01:00:52,025 --> 01:00:54,975
so we wanted to share with you, uh, our two recent standalone

799
01:00:56,085 --> 01:00:59,845
artificial, uh, turf field projects. Those were at kenwood and parkville.

800
01:01:00,285 --> 01:01:04,245
this slide shows pictures of the kenwood turf field and the

801
01:01:04,405 --> 01:01:08,365
parkville, uh, turf field, again as standalone projects. So just

802
01:01:08,905 --> 01:01:12,845
the turf field, um, itself and, and sometimes some of the additional

803
01:01:13,365 --> 01:01:16,245
infrastructure that's a part of that. Uh, kenwood was $1.4 million

804
01:01:17,865 --> 01:01:21,405
and parkville was $1.2 million. Those projects

805
01:01:22,215 --> 01:01:26,205
began, um, and were largely completed in, in 2023. I think they

806
01:01:26,405 --> 01:01:28,275
turned into 2024 as well.

807
01:01:31,005 --> 01:01:34,545
to give you some idea of artificial turf maintenance, as mr.

808
01:01:35,065 --> 01:01:38,305
sy referred to, um, we have two different groups working

809
01:01:39,105 --> 01:01:42,985
together, collaborating, and we referenced, um, baltimore county recreation

810
01:01:43,545 --> 01:01:47,335
and parks earlier. It's really baltimore county property management that assists

811
01:01:47,825 --> 01:01:51,735
us with our artificial turf maintenance. And so this

812
01:01:52,025 --> 01:01:56,025
slide depicts what, uh, bcps grounds does on a, on either

813
01:01:56,465 --> 01:01:59,455
a, a, a daily basis, again for these, uh, stadium

814
01:02:00,785 --> 01:02:04,425
artificial fields and what, uh, baltimore county property management does

815
01:02:04,885 --> 01:02:08,765
in terms of, um, their, um, their maintenance of

816
01:02:08,985 --> 01:02:11,725
it. And so when you look at something like applying an anti-microbial

817
01:02:13,045 --> 01:02:17,045
or the, the gmax testing, the, the shock attenuation, um, those are

818
01:02:17,285 --> 01:02:20,405
our annual things that we coordinate again with the county

819
01:02:23,545 --> 01:02:27,505
in terms of our grass turf maintenance. Um, this is

820
01:02:27,725 --> 01:02:31,605
what includes the stadium fields. So these aren't all the other fields at these school sites.

821
01:02:31,895 --> 01:02:35,645
these are, are specific to those stadium fields and, and what

822
01:02:35,905 --> 01:02:39,525
we do because these are our grounds and how we take care of them,

823
01:02:40,295 --> 01:02:43,575
again, on a, on a daily, weekly, or as needed basis.

824
01:02:46,445 --> 01:02:50,125
to give you a sense of what some of the costs are. Um, for

825
01:02:50,665 --> 01:02:54,505
artificial turf, again, we have, uh, 17 sites. It costs

826
01:02:54,805 --> 01:02:58,505
us approximately $68,000 in total each year,

827
01:02:59,225 --> 01:03:03,225
averaging $4,000 per site. This includes our labor and materials

828
01:03:03,505 --> 01:03:06,695
only. It doesn't include vehicle equipment, costs, fuel,

829
01:03:07,525 --> 01:03:11,345
um, and, and any other specialties that, that have to occur there. And again, that's,

830
01:03:11,665 --> 01:03:14,815
that's our cost. That's not the county government cost.

831
01:03:15,885 --> 01:03:19,755
our grass turf sites, the six sites that we do have total

832
01:03:20,355 --> 01:03:23,745
about, uh, 81,000, uh, averaging, 13,500

833
01:03:25,285 --> 01:03:28,665
per site. And again, they include the, the same type of breakdown.

834
01:03:31,805 --> 01:03:35,225
and with that, we thank you, um, and we open it up for any questions.

835
01:03:37,005 --> 01:03:40,565
are there any questions from board members, ms.

836
01:03:41,295 --> 01:03:45,265
doki? Yes. Um, I remember a while back at a

837
01:03:45,385 --> 01:03:49,305
delaney presentation, we were talk, I spoke to someone from the board of directors at the

838
01:03:49,705 --> 01:03:53,705
maryland state fairgrounds, and there was some talk or interest in, um, possibly working

839
01:03:54,265 --> 01:03:58,055
together to redevelop the infield at the maryland state fair

840
01:03:58,345 --> 01:04:02,225
track to, uh, and cooperation with bcps to use that

841
01:04:02,965 --> 01:04:06,865
as, you know, one of our field locations, I mean, the lighting, seating, parking,

842
01:04:07,105 --> 01:04:11,045
everything seemed kind of ideal. It it would if

843
01:04:11,265 --> 01:04:14,535
the cooperation would work. Was there any communications ever made

844
01:04:15,275 --> 01:04:18,815
about that? Uh, to my, to my knowledge, we have not been

845
01:04:19,305 --> 01:04:23,185
approached by the maryland state fair, uh, or state fair grounds with any type of

846
01:04:23,625 --> 01:04:27,485
proposal or anything regarding those fields. Would it be them that have to approach you

847
01:04:27,705 --> 01:04:31,545
or is it something that we'd have to procure or, I mean, could you,

848
01:04:32,035 --> 01:04:35,565
would it be an open community? I just, I don't, how would that work exactly? Um,

849
01:04:36,055 --> 01:04:40,025
like any community member that would like to en engage us in something that's their

850
01:04:40,705 --> 01:04:44,605
property, they would typically reach out to us and, and say, are you, are

851
01:04:44,825 --> 01:04:48,705
you interested in using our site or interested in partnering with us?

852
01:04:49,525 --> 01:04:53,265
um, sometimes a local school site, if they have a need to use a particular,

853
01:04:53,965 --> 01:04:57,945
um, particular site might reach out specifically, but that's not something the

854
01:04:58,145 --> 01:05:02,065
school system would normally do. And you're saying they did not reach, reach out to you

855
01:05:02,365 --> 01:05:06,265
to, to my knowledge, no. Because I think I, I, I think I remember that you were at

856
01:05:06,425 --> 01:05:09,705
that meeting with delaney. Uh, it was a while. It was not. It was like in 24

857
01:05:10,665 --> 01:05:14,585
probably, um, early on. And, um, I remember kathleen videll

858
01:05:14,745 --> 01:05:18,485
was there and she came up, she's one of the, on the board there to, to my knowledge,

859
01:05:19,065 --> 01:05:22,525
no one has reached, no one reached out, no one's reached out to me personally about using the fairgrounds

860
01:05:23,315 --> 01:05:26,905
site. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Other questions, ms. Humphrey?

861
01:05:28,425 --> 01:05:32,405
hi. Thank you for the presentation. Um, I requested this be added to the

862
01:05:32,485 --> 01:05:36,125
agenda and unfortunately don't have the correct notebook for my questions. So I'm gonna try to recall,

863
01:05:36,865 --> 01:05:40,725
um, why I proposed this initially. I know that we had two different,

864
01:05:41,385 --> 01:05:45,345
um, stakeholder groups come out and speak to us about turf fields versus, um,

865
01:05:45,775 --> 01:05:49,645
grass fields. One was the health and safety, uh, committee from pta

866
01:05:50,085 --> 01:05:54,065
council. Um, and their concerns, which one of which I believe you addressed were the,

867
01:05:54,285 --> 01:05:58,085
um, having glow thermometers available to test the temperature of the turf

868
01:05:58,365 --> 01:06:02,365
fields. Um, so am I correct that you said they're available at every turf field that

869
01:06:02,525 --> 01:06:06,245
we have at the moment? All 24 high schools have them. Okay, thank you.

870
01:06:06,785 --> 01:06:10,685
um, and what was the other thing? Oh, well you mentioned alternative fillers. So is

871
01:06:10,845 --> 01:06:14,765
that something we're looking into? Is that something that, um, might be

872
01:06:15,085 --> 01:06:19,005
proposed for, um, upcoming, upcoming fields that are to be built at, you know, at

873
01:06:19,165 --> 01:06:22,085
this point? Or replacing fields that are already,

874
01:06:23,505 --> 01:06:27,405
you know, it's looking at? Well, to answer your question as to looking into the newer fields that will be

875
01:06:27,915 --> 01:06:31,765
installed, I'm not quite certain if it is potentially possible,

876
01:06:31,945 --> 01:06:35,925
but it is something that we will have a discussion regarding if that can be

877
01:06:36,085 --> 01:06:40,045
changed out in terms of the rubber infill versus the, um, cork or the plant base.

878
01:06:40,745 --> 01:06:44,325
but it is looking forward into the future in terms of, um, newer installs.

879
01:06:44,915 --> 01:06:48,915
okay, thank you. Our our partners at recreation and parks are also looking into

880
01:06:49,205 --> 01:06:52,965
alternative fills as well. Okay. Awesome. Um, and the other question,

881
01:06:53,325 --> 01:06:56,765
I didn't just lose it. Oh, they also mentioned, um, possible,

882
01:06:57,585 --> 01:07:01,465
if I'm recalling this correctly, signs posted at the

883
01:07:01,755 --> 01:07:05,725
turf field locations to, um, note the safety hazards

884
01:07:06,505 --> 01:07:10,485
and what to look out for the differences between, you know, when you're on a turf field as opposed

885
01:07:10,685 --> 01:07:14,685
to a grass field. Is that something we've ever thought about? And like, again, I'm going without my

886
01:07:14,845 --> 01:07:18,805
notes, so to be very specific, I'd have to go back and I will get back to you with that if you don't recall that conversation.

887
01:07:20,925 --> 01:07:24,805
I don't recall that conversation at all. Okay. I mean, we have plenty of signage out and again, would

888
01:07:25,085 --> 01:07:29,065
be willing to add any additional signage, um, that really has

889
01:07:29,305 --> 01:07:32,495
not been brought to us in terms of posting signage about

890
01:07:33,705 --> 01:07:37,075
any, um, risk as it pertains to, uh, turf fields. Okay,

891
01:07:37,735 --> 01:07:41,485
thank you. Yeah, and I will, I, we will find that information from the meeting where they spoke

892
01:07:41,745 --> 01:07:45,165
and send that out to you so that you're aware. And if any, there's anything I forgot,

893
01:07:45,845 --> 01:07:49,785
, maybe we can, I can ask that question again. I appreciate your presentation, mr.

894
01:07:50,035 --> 01:07:52,745
mcmillion. Gentlemen, uh,

895
01:07:54,385 --> 01:07:57,875
dr. Graham, has eastern tech's feasibility study been, been

896
01:07:58,605 --> 01:08:02,575
finished? Uh, no. It, it, I believe it was scheduled to begin

897
01:08:03,265 --> 01:08:07,125
in, uh, december. And so we do, we would not have

898
01:08:07,285 --> 01:08:11,005
the final, no, that's the money, the final report on that. That's the project that's funded by the legislative?

899
01:08:12,225 --> 01:08:15,805
yes, sir. That's part of a, that, that was part of the legislative bond initiative

900
01:08:16,555 --> 01:08:20,145
from 2025 from last year. And mr. S the

901
01:08:20,645 --> 01:08:24,355
17 schools that currently have the turf, how many of them have,

902
01:08:24,875 --> 01:08:28,725
have had it a second time? I couldn't give you that number off

903
01:08:28,925 --> 01:08:32,875
the top of my field. I mean, off the top of my head, I know that catonsville some

904
01:08:33,165 --> 01:08:36,925
the, the older fields that were part of the original start. Catonsville, woodlawn,

905
01:08:37,405 --> 01:08:41,365
harford. Um, there are probably about two or three other schools, so I'm thinking about five

906
01:08:41,605 --> 01:08:45,485
or six are probably on their second field. And any schools that have got it a third time,

907
01:08:46,325 --> 01:08:50,325
I don't believe so. Okay. And is towson do to get it in their new construction?

908
01:08:50,845 --> 01:08:54,285
I believe so, yes. That's one of the first phases of construction.

909
01:08:55,095 --> 01:08:58,925
thank you. Thank you. Any other questions?

910
01:09:01,065 --> 01:09:05,005
all right, thank you, gentlemen. Thank you. The next item

911
01:09:05,345 --> 01:09:08,995
on the agenda is the report on the proposed fy 2027 operating

912
01:09:09,605 --> 01:09:11,805
budget request. And for that, I call on dr. Rogers.

913
01:09:15,695 --> 01:09:19,645
thank you. Board chair lichter, vice chair harvey, members of the board. I'm pleased

914
01:09:19,905 --> 01:09:23,725
to present the official fiscal year 2027 proposed

915
01:09:23,915 --> 01:09:27,685
operating budget. Before we begin, the communications

916
01:09:28,115 --> 01:09:30,965
team has created an introduction video.

917
01:09:46,465 --> 01:09:49,735
every dollar has a purpose. Each investment

918
01:09:50,895 --> 01:09:54,735
strengthens our foundation. A budget is about more than

919
01:09:54,975 --> 01:09:58,525
just resources and funding. It's about unlocking

920
01:09:59,245 --> 01:10:02,375
potential, creating pathways for success.

921
01:10:04,045 --> 01:10:07,925
investing in team vcps fast

922
01:10:08,215 --> 01:10:12,195
forwarding student achievement, working together to

923
01:10:12,755 --> 01:10:16,745
engage, empower, and excel every

924
01:10:17,595 --> 01:10:21,175
dollar counts. Baltimore county public schools

925
01:10:21,715 --> 01:10:25,495
is deeply committed to ensuring that every student, regardless

926
01:10:25,795 --> 01:10:29,575
of background or circumstance, has access to the resources

927
01:10:30,125 --> 01:10:34,055
they need to thrive. And we are putting those resources

928
01:10:34,585 --> 01:10:38,375
where they matter the most. Closest to our students and schools.

929
01:10:39,465 --> 01:10:43,045
we've made significant investments in early childhood education,

930
01:10:44,185 --> 01:10:47,695
curriculum, special education, recruitment and retention,

931
01:10:48,215 --> 01:10:51,335
professional learning infrastructure, school support,

932
01:10:52,245 --> 01:10:56,005
community schools, and safety and climates, and those investments

933
01:10:56,715 --> 01:11:00,605
are making a difference. In two years, we've made great strides

934
01:11:01,095 --> 01:11:04,955
in our efforts to fast forward student achievement. Students are

935
01:11:05,415 --> 01:11:09,335
demonstrating improved proficiency in math and language arts. We've achieved

936
01:11:09,525 --> 01:11:13,365
significant improvement in higher rated schools. The number of

937
01:11:13,595 --> 01:11:17,485
four star schools increased by 82%, and five

938
01:11:17,795 --> 01:11:21,565
star schools rose by 21%. 64 schools

939
01:11:22,365 --> 01:11:26,205
improved their maryland star ratings. Bcps has 23 5

940
01:11:27,275 --> 01:11:31,165
star schools, the highest number in the state for the

941
01:11:31,365 --> 01:11:34,925
second consecutive year. Our operating budget reflects

942
01:11:35,485 --> 01:11:38,805
our values, high expectations for students and staff,

943
01:11:39,625 --> 01:11:43,585
and commitment to pursuing excellence in all areas of

944
01:11:43,805 --> 01:11:47,565
our work. The development of the bcps budget requires several

945
01:11:47,985 --> 01:11:51,975
months of collaborative and deliberate work. Community engagement

946
01:11:52,705 --> 01:11:56,485
and input is paramount. And team bcps stakeholders

947
01:11:57,185 --> 01:12:01,085
are encouraged to engage in the process and provide feedback

948
01:12:01,325 --> 01:12:04,845
through surveys, community meetings, advisory and stakeholder

949
01:12:05,405 --> 01:12:09,405
groups, principal and central office meetings, board presentations

950
01:12:10,465 --> 01:12:14,365
and more. Your voices played a critical role in the development

951
01:12:15,025 --> 01:12:18,565
of the fy 27 operating budget. We are aligning

952
01:12:19,445 --> 01:12:23,205
resources with priorities, allocating resources in an equitable

953
01:12:23,865 --> 01:12:27,545
and transparent manner, and are committed to a balanced budget

954
01:12:28,115 --> 01:12:31,795
that moves bcps forward. Let's stay the course team

955
01:12:32,245 --> 01:12:35,635
bcps. Our collective efforts and strategic investments

956
01:12:36,625 --> 01:12:40,605
are helping to make b-c-p-s-a premier system in the

957
01:12:40,765 --> 01:12:41,825
state and nation.

958
01:12:49,405 --> 01:12:52,195
thank you. If we could post the powerpoint

959
01:13:02,035 --> 01:13:06,025
almost. All right. So we will begin this evening. The same way that I began

960
01:13:06,375 --> 01:13:10,165
with the community yesterday. We exist to educate

961
01:13:10,755 --> 01:13:14,485
all students. We exist to educate all students at high levels despite

962
01:13:15,005 --> 01:13:18,735
what schools they attend, despite what their needs are in bcps.

963
01:13:19,415 --> 01:13:23,405
over the last several years, our student demographics have changed over

964
01:13:23,695 --> 01:13:27,655
the last five years. This slide depicts the increase in the

965
01:13:27,815 --> 01:13:30,895
number of economically disadvantaged students that we serve.

966
01:13:32,075 --> 01:13:35,855
the increase in the number of multilingual learners, our fastest

967
01:13:36,205 --> 01:13:39,755
growing population in team bcps, and

968
01:13:40,515 --> 01:13:44,415
you'll see a slight increase in the number of students receiving special education

969
01:13:45,375 --> 01:13:47,735
services in baltimore county public schools.

970
01:13:49,705 --> 01:13:53,535
three years ago, our charge was very

971
01:13:53,775 --> 01:13:53,775
clear.

972
01:13:58,505 --> 01:14:02,485
dunno what that our

973
01:14:02,705 --> 01:14:06,705
charge was very clear. Our task was to identify

974
01:14:07,405 --> 01:14:11,365
the priorities that were needed in team bcps to address the needs of our

975
01:14:11,725 --> 01:14:15,685
students. We were to reverse a trajectory of more than a decade

976
01:14:16,505 --> 01:14:19,685
of academic decline. We are very pleased

977
01:14:20,955 --> 01:14:24,845
that we have been able to use community feedback. We've been able to

978
01:14:25,065 --> 01:14:28,825
use examination of our data, as well as

979
01:14:29,465 --> 01:14:33,075
review of our procedures and processes to identify four

980
01:14:33,725 --> 01:14:37,365
priority areas. Those priority areas remain the same. They are

981
01:14:37,805 --> 01:14:41,395
academic achievement infrastructure, making sure that our processes

982
01:14:42,555 --> 01:14:46,025
help us to move forward, as well as state-of-the-art

983
01:14:46,885 --> 01:14:50,675
facilities for our students. Safety and climate, both social emotional

984
01:14:51,625 --> 01:14:55,605
as well as physical safety and climate and highly effective teachers,

985
01:14:55,765 --> 01:14:56,655
leaders, and staff.

986
01:15:08,205 --> 01:15:11,355
while some have criticized our gains as not enough,

987
01:15:12,335 --> 01:15:15,475
I'm very proud of the progress of baltimore county public schools.

988
01:15:16,375 --> 01:15:20,335
uh, one of the things that we wanna make sure that the community notes is

989
01:15:20,615 --> 01:15:24,545
all of the data that we share publicly are either comparisons

990
01:15:25,255 --> 01:15:29,195
to the rest of the state of maryland, all of the 23 of districts

991
01:15:30,015 --> 01:15:33,885
or the united states of america. In this slide

992
01:15:34,235 --> 01:15:37,385
in particular, this references the maryland report card.

993
01:15:38,305 --> 01:15:41,875
this past year, every student group across all levels

994
01:15:42,755 --> 01:15:46,335
demonstrated proficiency improvements in both mathematics and

995
01:15:46,875 --> 01:15:50,815
language arts. It's also important to note that school quality and

996
01:15:51,035 --> 01:15:54,655
student success improve for students at the elementary, middle,

997
01:15:55,415 --> 01:15:59,235
and high school levels. In two short years, we have had significant

998
01:15:59,905 --> 01:16:03,795
improvement in the higher rated schools, specifically for star schools.

999
01:16:04,525 --> 01:16:07,875
those have increased in bcps by 82%,

1000
01:16:09,335 --> 01:16:13,125
21% increase in five star schools. 64

1001
01:16:13,835 --> 01:16:17,795
schools over the last two years have increased, improved

1002
01:16:18,005 --> 01:16:21,915
their maryland star ratings. For the second year in a row, we have the highest

1003
01:16:22,215 --> 01:16:25,795
number of five star schools in the state of maryland.

1004
01:16:33,005 --> 01:16:36,295
okay, I'm gonna have to say next slide if this is not working. Thank you.

1005
01:16:38,045 --> 01:16:41,535
this slide depicts the maryland report card star ratings. As I've shared before,

1006
01:16:42,315 --> 01:16:45,975
across all 24 districts, the maryland state department of education

1007
01:16:46,995 --> 01:16:50,865
ranked all schools and nine out of the top 10 elementary

1008
01:16:51,535 --> 01:16:55,455
schools in the entire state of maryland are in baltimore county public schools,

1009
01:16:56,315 --> 01:16:59,855
and two of the top five high schools are in baltimore county

1010
01:17:00,395 --> 01:17:03,095
public schools as well. Next slide, please.

1011
01:17:05,725 --> 01:17:09,625
this slide shows our year one and our year two results in

1012
01:17:09,885 --> 01:17:13,865
a variety of areas. All of these areas on the slide are

1013
01:17:14,485 --> 01:17:18,465
external. They are validity and reliability tested. The

1014
01:17:18,915 --> 01:17:22,645
data point that we point to the most that we work on together

1015
01:17:23,165 --> 01:17:27,045
collaboratively at the central office level, as well as in the school level

1016
01:17:27,735 --> 01:17:30,955
three years, day in and day out, is chronic absenteeism.

1017
01:17:32,065 --> 01:17:35,915
we believe that no matter what we have available for our students, what

1018
01:17:36,605 --> 01:17:40,525
resources, what supports, none of it will mean anything and will have

1019
01:17:40,685 --> 01:17:44,625
an impact on them unless they are in school. As a direct result

1020
01:17:45,345 --> 01:17:49,265
of our collaborative efforts, baltimore county public schools had

1021
01:17:49,485 --> 01:17:53,235
the highest percent improvement in the state of maryland. And over

1022
01:17:53,585 --> 01:17:57,555
two years, we have more than 9,000 students who now come

1023
01:17:57,845 --> 01:18:01,725
to school on a regular basis who were not attending school prior to that.

1024
01:18:02,175 --> 01:18:06,085
there are a variety of other data points here, including the state assessment

1025
01:18:06,715 --> 01:18:10,605
results, our improvements there, the wida assessment for multilingual

1026
01:18:11,485 --> 01:18:15,015
learners, teacher retention, as well as graduation

1027
01:18:15,715 --> 01:18:18,685
rate and mesa. Next slide please.

1028
01:18:20,645 --> 01:18:24,165
it's also important for us to share with our community that when

1029
01:18:24,975 --> 01:18:28,835
bcps had the opportunity to receive more funds, we

1030
01:18:29,495 --> 01:18:33,295
invested all of those funds directly in our students. The research

1031
01:18:33,515 --> 01:18:37,255
is clear about what it takes to reverse a trajectory of academic decline.

1032
01:18:38,105 --> 01:18:41,895
there must be an intentional and investment in the school

1033
01:18:42,135 --> 01:18:45,735
system in bcps. Since fy 25,

1034
01:18:46,755 --> 01:18:50,435
we have invested intentionally in early childhood, adding

1035
01:18:51,005 --> 01:18:54,345
more than 2000 full day pre-k seats curriculum,

1036
01:18:55,075 --> 01:18:59,015
making sure that now all of our students have literacy curriculum from kindergarten

1037
01:18:59,655 --> 01:19:03,555
through grade 12. That is evidence-based where we are teaching the

1038
01:19:03,775 --> 01:19:07,415
science of reading. And the same is true for english language development.

1039
01:19:08,395 --> 01:19:11,695
we have had a community schools expansion where now we have 110

1040
01:19:12,595 --> 01:19:16,575
of our schools that provide wraparound supports for our students and families.

1041
01:19:17,305 --> 01:19:21,295
we've implemented a differentiated school support model. This was to

1042
01:19:21,495 --> 01:19:25,165
ensure that all schools have different needs and that we were providing

1043
01:19:25,775 --> 01:19:29,595
support to our schools that were designated as highest needs, our

1044
01:19:29,815 --> 01:19:33,735
comprehensive school improvement and targeted school improvement schools, where they

1045
01:19:34,175 --> 01:19:37,455
received shoulder to shoulder support inside of the classroom,

1046
01:19:38,515 --> 01:19:42,495
inside of the leadership teams to help advance the progress of our

1047
01:19:42,855 --> 01:19:45,855
students. Professional learning has been a focus for us,

1048
01:19:46,955 --> 01:19:50,895
not only for schools, but also for central offices and all of

1049
01:19:51,065 --> 01:19:54,645
operations to make sure that everyone has access to the most

1050
01:19:55,215 --> 01:19:59,135
uptodate strategies to do their best work on behalf of the students

1051
01:19:59,245 --> 01:20:03,095
that we serve. You'll also know on this slide, recruitment retention,

1052
01:20:03,825 --> 01:20:07,565
increasing investments in special education safety enhancements

1053
01:20:08,465 --> 01:20:12,365
to also include additional mental health supports for our students

1054
01:20:13,025 --> 01:20:16,285
and infrastructure. Our enterprise resource planning project,

1055
01:20:17,185 --> 01:20:20,045
as well as 11 major construction projects

1056
01:20:21,195 --> 01:20:25,005
have been completed since fy 25.

1057
01:20:27,555 --> 01:20:31,405
next slide, please. One back

1058
01:20:34,075 --> 01:20:37,885
specific to how we have responded to the needs, we have added additional

1059
01:20:38,835 --> 01:20:42,735
positions to serve our schools. On this slide, you'll see the list of

1060
01:20:43,355 --> 01:20:47,175
positions that went directly into schools to support our

1061
01:20:47,595 --> 01:20:50,795
students and their targeted needs. Everything from iep facilitators

1062
01:20:51,775 --> 01:20:55,655
at the elementary level, to educator retention teachers to

1063
01:20:55,925 --> 01:20:59,305
additional counselors, charter of school positions, special area

1064
01:20:59,955 --> 01:21:03,835
teachers and student safety assistants have been part of our

1065
01:21:04,105 --> 01:21:07,995
investments in team bcps. These investments have been made

1066
01:21:08,515 --> 01:21:12,515
possible because of the support of the board of education, the support of our county

1067
01:21:12,925 --> 01:21:16,755
executives, as well as our county council, when times

1068
01:21:17,025 --> 01:21:20,585
were plenty and we were able to increase compensation and provide

1069
01:21:21,075 --> 01:21:24,955
enhancements, we did exactly that. The middle

1070
01:21:25,235 --> 01:21:29,055
column shows the direct investments that we have made in all

1071
01:21:29,275 --> 01:21:32,795
of our employees. Everything from raises for every single

1072
01:21:33,395 --> 01:21:37,295
employee and team bcps to being two years ahead of

1073
01:21:37,515 --> 01:21:41,275
the blueprint. Mandated 60,000 starting salary for teachers,

1074
01:21:41,685 --> 01:21:45,555
which brings us to, near the top of the scale in the

1075
01:21:45,715 --> 01:21:49,625
state of maryland, national board certified teacher incentives, several

1076
01:21:50,545 --> 01:21:54,345
memorandums of understanding for our staff members, including

1077
01:21:54,955 --> 01:21:58,855
caseload management, instructional leadership teams, particularly at

1078
01:21:59,075 --> 01:22:02,955
our elementary schools, to create the infrastructure needed for student

1079
01:22:03,635 --> 01:22:07,395
progress, classroom coverage, secondary extra class

1080
01:22:07,695 --> 01:22:11,515
period, and increase in hourly wages for contractual

1081
01:22:12,315 --> 01:22:15,165
employees as well as our bus drivers and attend assistance.

1082
01:22:16,415 --> 01:22:20,255
um, the total amount of that investment has

1083
01:22:20,475 --> 01:22:24,435
been $104.1 million in additional compensation

1084
01:22:25,695 --> 01:22:29,695
and enhancements. And as I mentioned earlier, we have had 11

1085
01:22:30,495 --> 01:22:34,495
new addition renovation or replacement capital projects. And

1086
01:22:34,815 --> 01:22:38,315
as of january 8th, the amount of money that has been

1087
01:22:39,035 --> 01:22:42,155
invested in infrastructure has been more than $569 million.

1088
01:22:45,425 --> 01:22:45,995
next slide, please.

1089
01:22:50,565 --> 01:22:54,055
and so it is important for us to point to the investments

1090
01:22:54,745 --> 01:22:58,565
that we have made in our students in schools, as well as

1091
01:22:58,795 --> 01:23:02,595
their forward progress. We know what the charge was three short

1092
01:23:02,945 --> 01:23:06,615
years ago. We have seen positive progress after

1093
01:23:06,995 --> 01:23:10,725
year one and year two. Year three is our opportunity

1094
01:23:11,665 --> 01:23:15,425
to either solidify our position as forward moving

1095
01:23:16,225 --> 01:23:19,865
as a school system and truly re reversing that trajectory or

1096
01:23:20,785 --> 01:23:23,335
an opportunity for regression.

1097
01:23:24,945 --> 01:23:28,785
it is our goal to make sure that we are moving forward. And so we

1098
01:23:29,005 --> 01:23:32,885
do not want to have anything that distracts

1099
01:23:33,385 --> 01:23:37,285
our teachers and staff from the work ahead of us and the

1100
01:23:37,645 --> 01:23:41,155
students that are in the classrooms. And so this budget that I am proposing

1101
01:23:42,195 --> 01:23:45,645
this evening for your review and consideration and deliberation

1102
01:23:46,875 --> 01:23:50,145
over the next, uh, several weeks, is

1103
01:23:51,025 --> 01:23:54,925
in with that in mind, it is informed by the feedback

1104
01:23:55,505 --> 01:23:58,645
of many people in team bcps. Next slide please.

1105
01:24:02,715 --> 01:24:06,455
next slide, please. And so it is very important that

1106
01:24:06,735 --> 01:24:10,125
we face our fiscal realities. We have a clear plan

1107
01:24:10,795 --> 01:24:14,625
for how to address the challenges that we see ahead

1108
01:24:14,975 --> 01:24:18,975
of us, and also to respond to the feedback that we have received

1109
01:24:19,715 --> 01:24:23,695
across the last several months. Before we begin with that,

1110
01:24:23,995 --> 01:24:27,895
we just want to make sure that there is clarity around the budget. The budget

1111
01:24:28,335 --> 01:24:32,015
includes six funds. Most of our conversation over the last several months

1112
01:24:32,675 --> 01:24:36,295
has been specific to the operating budget, which is includes

1113
01:24:36,875 --> 01:24:40,875
the general fund, which is all of our system operations. So

1114
01:24:41,195 --> 01:24:44,935
all salary, wages and benefits, and all of the day-to-day spending

1115
01:24:45,595 --> 01:24:49,535
for the school system is a part of the operating budget. It also

1116
01:24:49,775 --> 01:24:53,575
includes the special revenue fund and other components. The only other

1117
01:24:53,815 --> 01:24:57,575
thing I'll point to your attention in the orange section is the

1118
01:24:57,895 --> 01:25:01,855
capital projects fund. We have both the state capital budget and the county

1119
01:25:02,095 --> 01:25:06,055
capital budget, which the board of education voted on this evening.

1120
01:25:06,745 --> 01:25:10,695
those are very separate processes to make sure that we

1121
01:25:10,855 --> 01:25:14,225
deal with all of the construction needs of our facilities.

1122
01:25:21,125 --> 01:25:24,945
the fy 27 budget development process, uh, began several

1123
01:25:25,225 --> 01:25:29,135
months ago. As a part of that process, we engage with

1124
01:25:29,575 --> 01:25:33,365
many people. This slide depicts all of the

1125
01:25:33,585 --> 01:25:37,545
groups that we have had an opportunity to hear directly

1126
01:25:37,735 --> 01:25:41,705
from, from the advisories, pta councils, principals, and monthly

1127
01:25:42,145 --> 01:25:45,455
meetings, central office leadership. We have sent out surveys

1128
01:25:46,365 --> 01:25:50,305
to all stakeholders in the community as well as a, a separate

1129
01:25:50,445 --> 01:25:54,105
survey to our principals to which our reported those findings.

1130
01:25:54,965 --> 01:25:58,465
we had five different community conversations to hear directly,

1131
01:25:59,165 --> 01:26:01,935
um, from our community. The board of education

1132
01:26:03,265 --> 01:26:07,115
has also had the opportunity over the last several months to hear operating

1133
01:26:07,725 --> 01:26:11,055
budget presentations. Uh, they are listed on this slide,

1134
01:26:11,905 --> 01:26:15,825
as I have done for the last three years. We have also had two

1135
01:26:16,105 --> 01:26:19,965
by two small group meetings. Those were held in december. And this is an

1136
01:26:20,125 --> 01:26:24,005
opportunity for our board of education members to ask me any direct

1137
01:26:24,725 --> 01:26:28,605
questions that they have about the budget. Also this year, knowing

1138
01:26:29,075 --> 01:26:32,925
that we were in an especially fiscally challenging

1139
01:26:33,205 --> 01:26:37,105
time, um, making sure that I was hearing any and

1140
01:26:37,325 --> 01:26:41,245
all considerations for reductions in the budget

1141
01:26:41,935 --> 01:26:45,515
areas to, um, inspect for necessary

1142
01:26:46,315 --> 01:26:50,205
changes we're a part of those meetings. We also held the fy

1143
01:26:50,565 --> 01:26:54,145
27 budget overview presentation, I believe in,

1144
01:26:54,625 --> 01:26:58,165
uh, december as a part of the budget development process

1145
01:26:59,185 --> 01:27:03,045
to make sure that everyone had access to as much

1146
01:27:03,285 --> 01:27:07,265
information as possible, and everyone was able to weigh in

1147
01:27:07,865 --> 01:27:11,195
on what their priorities were. As a part of those discussions,

1148
01:27:12,345 --> 01:27:15,965
um, the responses came back and they were clear,

1149
01:27:16,825 --> 01:27:20,565
um, to the survey as well as individual face-to-face meeting.

1150
01:27:21,465 --> 01:27:25,355
um, our families, our staff members told us that

1151
01:27:25,655 --> 01:27:29,005
there was, um, concern over providing support

1152
01:27:29,745 --> 01:27:33,475
to struggling students. Um, we also heard that

1153
01:27:34,015 --> 01:27:37,575
there was, um, support for keeping class sizes

1154
01:27:38,105 --> 01:27:41,595
as small as possible. But what we heard the loudest,

1155
01:27:42,545 --> 01:27:46,245
um, from all, uh, stakeholders across the system

1156
01:27:47,345 --> 01:27:50,925
was to prioritize compensation. That prioritizing

1157
01:27:51,825 --> 01:27:55,765
the full compensation package was extremely important

1158
01:27:56,345 --> 01:27:59,745
to members of team bcps. And so this proposed budget

1159
01:28:00,755 --> 01:28:03,685
does just that. Next slide, please.

1160
01:28:06,845 --> 01:28:10,685
we have shared the budgeting elements, um, that we have used. On one

1161
01:28:10,905 --> 01:28:14,785
slide of this slide. It depicts research, uh, that

1162
01:28:15,025 --> 01:28:18,885
georgetown university, their omics lab, has been sharing for

1163
01:28:19,105 --> 01:28:22,945
the last few years, um, particularly with the ending of esser funds

1164
01:28:23,565 --> 01:28:27,505
for school systems to consider, um, to make reductions in their

1165
01:28:27,625 --> 01:28:31,205
budget as that was a fiscal reality, um, across

1166
01:28:31,685 --> 01:28:35,665
the united states. What you see that's unique to bcps on these

1167
01:28:35,825 --> 01:28:39,805
slides, you see the check marks for every area that we

1168
01:28:40,025 --> 01:28:43,985
have implemented as a school system. Um, next to that,

1169
01:28:44,325 --> 01:28:47,825
you have specific, uh, measures that we have taken in team bcps.

1170
01:28:49,065 --> 01:28:53,065
I wanna remind everyone that we are in a third year of a

1171
01:28:53,185 --> 01:28:56,745
central office hiring freeze. Uh, we have lifted our freeze,

1172
01:28:57,565 --> 01:29:01,325
uh, temporarily in the summers for a short period of time,

1173
01:29:02,145 --> 01:29:06,075
um, to staff. Um, the only other exception

1174
01:29:06,865 --> 01:29:10,685
is when a position comes up, if a, uh, chief from a

1175
01:29:11,005 --> 01:29:14,855
division believes that it is mission critical, they are able to apply

1176
01:29:15,305 --> 01:29:18,715
for an exception. Um, we do not automatically have,

1177
01:29:19,345 --> 01:29:22,905
not automatically, will not automatically fill, uh,

1178
01:29:23,525 --> 01:29:27,265
positions that become open, whether they are for retirements, for,

1179
01:29:27,905 --> 01:29:31,085
uh, promotions, or for resignation of staff members.

1180
01:29:32,025 --> 01:29:35,785
as part of our fiduciary responsibility, um,

1181
01:29:37,165 --> 01:29:40,625
contract review for the first time this year, uh, we reverse sorted

1182
01:29:41,225 --> 01:29:45,115
all of our contracts that we had in team bcps from the most

1183
01:29:45,595 --> 01:29:49,405
expensive contract to the, um, smallest contract

1184
01:29:49,605 --> 01:29:53,345
that we had and what we were looking for as a cabinet. What, uh,

1185
01:29:53,625 --> 01:29:57,045
chiefs went back and looked for in their teams was an opportunity

1186
01:29:57,945 --> 01:30:01,345
to either renegotiate contracts for a, um,

1187
01:30:01,995 --> 01:30:05,435
reduced price to reduce, um, amounts

1188
01:30:06,105 --> 01:30:09,885
of goods that we procured if we were pro procuring a certain,

1189
01:30:10,825 --> 01:30:14,305
um, amount of an item, or to

1190
01:30:14,875 --> 01:30:18,855
eliminate contracts in their entirety. And in a few slides, I will share

1191
01:30:19,205 --> 01:30:23,005
some of the results of that. Uh, zero based budgeting. This is our third

1192
01:30:23,285 --> 01:30:26,625
year in a row of implementing zero based budgeting where we

1193
01:30:27,525 --> 01:30:31,045
evaluate all expenditures. We require evidence,

1194
01:30:31,865 --> 01:30:35,785
um, of actual either expenditures or

1195
01:30:36,675 --> 01:30:40,545
escalations, uh, that are in contracts. Um, we do

1196
01:30:40,825 --> 01:30:44,745
not automatically provide for all divisions, uh,

1197
01:30:45,105 --> 01:30:49,045
the same amount of, uh, budget all budgetary allocation that

1198
01:30:49,165 --> 01:30:52,925
they receive the previous year. Um, we have no new initiatives

1199
01:30:53,545 --> 01:30:57,425
in this budget unless, uh, mandated. And, um,

1200
01:30:58,145 --> 01:31:01,835
we also, uh, ex ex took extreme

1201
01:31:02,765 --> 01:31:06,445
scrutiny, uh, around our new request, and you will see the results of that shortly

1202
01:31:06,945 --> 01:31:10,885
as well. Uh, we also engage in a position analysis

1203
01:31:11,395 --> 01:31:15,265
this time, uh, with an external source. Uh, for the last few

1204
01:31:15,485 --> 01:31:19,245
years, as you know, we have made position reductions in team

1205
01:31:19,645 --> 01:31:23,425
bcps. We have normed with our, um,

1206
01:31:24,345 --> 01:31:27,915
uh, other neighboring districts. We wanted, because

1207
01:31:28,625 --> 01:31:32,525
we had such a, um, heavy lift in front of us,

1208
01:31:33,225 --> 01:31:36,955
we wanted to have national comparison and wanted to benchmark

1209
01:31:38,035 --> 01:31:41,885
with a partner that deals with budget benchmarking. And I'll

1210
01:31:42,125 --> 01:31:45,685
share that data shortly. Uh, we reviewed all of our master schedules,

1211
01:31:46,385 --> 01:31:50,215
uh, to make informed decisions based on courses where

1212
01:31:50,805 --> 01:31:54,635
students were currently enrolled, uh, to ensure that

1213
01:31:54,945 --> 01:31:57,935
our recommendations were aligned to our student needs.

1214
01:31:58,985 --> 01:32:02,885
um, and we looked at all of our formulas, our formulas that are public

1215
01:32:03,165 --> 01:32:06,905
facing, ensuring that, uh, what we had

1216
01:32:07,265 --> 01:32:10,485
as a formula was what we had implemented in our schools

1217
01:32:11,345 --> 01:32:15,325
and additional grant offset opportunities where there were there opportunities

1218
01:32:16,425 --> 01:32:19,455
in federal funding for us to move additional

1219
01:32:20,725 --> 01:32:24,445
positions from our operating budget to our grants. Next slide, please.

1220
01:32:27,515 --> 01:32:30,795
over the last two fiscal years, we have reduced

1221
01:32:31,545 --> 01:32:33,765
the operating budget internally by $169 million.

1222
01:32:36,595 --> 01:32:39,925
this includes a reduction in central office supervisory

1223
01:32:40,685 --> 01:32:44,505
positions. One of the pieces of feedback that we heard from our

1224
01:32:44,725 --> 01:32:48,705
community members was around the size of our central office.

1225
01:32:49,705 --> 01:32:53,425
um, we examined that feedback. We, uh,

1226
01:32:54,125 --> 01:32:57,995
reviewed our positions. We looked for efficiency and made

1227
01:32:58,285 --> 01:33:02,105
those changes. Um, I also want to note, uh, for our

1228
01:33:02,325 --> 01:33:04,685
community members that part of these $169 million

1229
01:33:06,455 --> 01:33:10,445
worth of reductions, um, really focus on central offices,

1230
01:33:11,625 --> 01:33:15,125
uh, uh, large portion of our reductions.

1231
01:33:15,635 --> 01:33:19,475
were in the central offices over the last two years. Uh, we also

1232
01:33:19,875 --> 01:33:23,635
last year were able to, uh, not make any changes with

1233
01:33:23,925 --> 01:33:27,825
our staffing allocation formulas. Uh, as we looked school by

1234
01:33:28,045 --> 01:33:32,005
school of all of our formulas to make sure that we were in alignment,

1235
01:33:32,985 --> 01:33:36,965
uh, the first year we eliminated vacant positions that for years

1236
01:33:37,665 --> 01:33:41,445
we had had on our books we were budgeting for. Um, but they

1237
01:33:41,965 --> 01:33:45,925
remained open and we made reductions in built-ins. Everything

1238
01:33:46,405 --> 01:33:50,245
from reducing travel, reducing, um, cell phones,

1239
01:33:50,635 --> 01:33:54,525
stip stipends, reducing, um, supplies and et cetera,

1240
01:33:55,035 --> 01:33:58,825
were part of the work, uh, that we engaged in for

1241
01:33:59,045 --> 01:34:02,805
the last two years. Uh, this is important to note, uh, because

1242
01:34:03,225 --> 01:34:07,105
now we have come to a, uh, portion when we have the

1243
01:34:07,325 --> 01:34:10,805
third year of reductions where these opportunities

1244
01:34:11,905 --> 01:34:15,395
are no longer available in the budget. And so they require

1245
01:34:15,985 --> 01:34:19,695
us to make difficult decisions in order to honor

1246
01:34:20,265 --> 01:34:24,175
the feedback that we have received from our stakeholders about the priorities

1247
01:34:25,185 --> 01:34:28,045
for fy 27. Next slide. Please

1248
01:34:30,415 --> 01:34:34,185
also wanna make sure that we highlight where the funding comes from.

1249
01:34:34,885 --> 01:34:38,505
um, bcps is not revenue generating. We receive

1250
01:34:39,005 --> 01:34:42,385
all of our funding from the local, state, and federal government.

1251
01:34:43,365 --> 01:34:47,285
um, a small portion from other, you'll see on

1252
01:34:47,565 --> 01:34:51,445
the, uh, pie chart that the majority of our funding comes from the

1253
01:34:51,675 --> 01:34:55,625
local government, um, followed by the state, as well

1254
01:34:55,965 --> 01:34:59,615
as a smaller portion from the federal, um, government.

1255
01:35:00,665 --> 01:35:04,555
uh, we have heard comments about how much money, um, baltimore

1256
01:35:05,165 --> 01:35:09,005
county public schools receives for the budget. We receive a

1257
01:35:09,405 --> 01:35:13,165
generous budget. Um, we want to, uh, reiterate that maintenance

1258
01:35:13,645 --> 01:35:17,445
of effort is the law. Um, our budget is likely

1259
01:35:17,985 --> 01:35:21,845
the third largest budget in the state of maryland as we

1260
01:35:22,045 --> 01:35:25,565
are the third largest school system in the state of maryland.

1261
01:35:26,185 --> 01:35:29,645
um, we are grateful, uh, to be in a county

1262
01:35:30,215 --> 01:35:34,035
where our local partners have funded us above maintenance

1263
01:35:34,785 --> 01:35:38,565
of effort, meaning above what is required. Last year,

1264
01:35:38,905 --> 01:35:42,705
our funding was 3.5% above what is what was

1265
01:35:43,325 --> 01:35:47,115
required. And so out of the funding that we received, um, last

1266
01:35:47,405 --> 01:35:51,095
year, we received, uh, approximately 30 million additional

1267
01:35:51,765 --> 01:35:55,485
dollars above what was required. But the bulk of funding that we

1268
01:35:55,885 --> 01:35:58,605
received was required based on the per pupil

1269
01:36:00,045 --> 01:36:03,805
appropriation. So the number of students that we have, um, in our schools

1270
01:36:04,225 --> 01:36:07,685
and the funding from the year before, our funding target this year,

1271
01:36:08,425 --> 01:36:12,335
uh, from our county executive, is 2% above

1272
01:36:12,755 --> 01:36:16,445
what we received last year. If we want to compare that

1273
01:36:16,785 --> 01:36:20,295
to maintenance of effort, that is the equivalent to 3%

1274
01:36:21,415 --> 01:36:25,405
above maintenance of effort. Um, as I stated, we do not generate

1275
01:36:25,585 --> 01:36:29,465
our own funding. All of our funding comes with strings attach.

1276
01:36:30,505 --> 01:36:34,425
all of our expenditures must be accounted for, whether these are

1277
01:36:34,645 --> 01:36:38,565
expenditures at the central office level or at the schoolhouse

1278
01:36:39,045 --> 01:36:42,985
level. Um, you will note, as happened this evening, uh,

1279
01:36:43,205 --> 01:36:46,505
part of what happens in many board of education meetings are

1280
01:36:47,245 --> 01:36:50,965
contracts. Um, as a part of those contracts that are listed on board

1281
01:36:51,395 --> 01:36:55,325
docs, there are budget appropriation limits. There are terms to the budget

1282
01:36:55,665 --> 01:36:59,545
and specific vendors. Uh, those terms apply to

1283
01:37:00,145 --> 01:37:03,165
all schools and all offices. We have individual

1284
01:37:04,245 --> 01:37:07,395
spending transaction limits, and we have return reporting

1285
01:37:08,545 --> 01:37:12,005
and external auditing requirements in team bcps

1286
01:37:13,025 --> 01:37:16,605
for all of our funding. Next slide, please.

1287
01:37:17,835 --> 01:37:21,745
many factors have changed since january, 2025. Um, as

1288
01:37:21,965 --> 01:37:25,125
we have shared, this is a challenging fiscal climate.

1289
01:37:26,305 --> 01:37:30,085
um, factors at the federal level has changed. Uh, bcps

1290
01:37:30,865 --> 01:37:34,765
we are watching, um, with you at the same time about the changes

1291
01:37:35,105 --> 01:37:39,055
at the us department of education and what the impact might

1292
01:37:39,425 --> 01:37:43,265
be on us directly as a school system. This is important to

1293
01:37:43,485 --> 01:37:47,315
us because we have more than 1100 positions that

1294
01:37:47,665 --> 01:37:51,465
are funded by grant funds. Um, the

1295
01:37:51,685 --> 01:37:55,645
future of this funding source is unknown. Um, however,

1296
01:37:56,785 --> 01:38:00,445
we are, um, uh, pleased that federal

1297
01:38:00,995 --> 01:38:04,645
funding is appropriated one year in advance

1298
01:38:05,385 --> 01:38:09,215
of when, um, we plan to, uh, use those funds.

1299
01:38:10,025 --> 01:38:13,645
um, at the state level, uh, the structural deficit

1300
01:38:14,825 --> 01:38:18,405
has, uh, increased. I believe the most recent number is about a $5 billion

1301
01:38:19,725 --> 01:38:23,255
structural deficit. Um, while school system funds

1302
01:38:23,785 --> 01:38:27,125
are in a protected trust, uh, known as the blueprint,

1303
01:38:27,905 --> 01:38:31,745
the concern that we advocate for is, um,

1304
01:38:32,465 --> 01:38:35,805
the, uh, budgets moving forward that stretch

1305
01:38:36,545 --> 01:38:40,285
out the funding. The only way that that is able to be stretched

1306
01:38:40,765 --> 01:38:44,235
out is by, um, providing less than anticipated

1307
01:38:45,125 --> 01:38:48,765
annually to the school systems. And so last year, uh, we

1308
01:38:49,275 --> 01:38:53,065
advocated in annapolis, um, for that not

1309
01:38:53,285 --> 01:38:56,965
to happen. Um, it was a, uh, good year for school systems

1310
01:38:57,435 --> 01:39:01,325
last year at the state level. The governor's budget has not yet been

1311
01:39:01,525 --> 01:39:05,405
shared for this year. However, we do, uh, know of one risk that

1312
01:39:05,605 --> 01:39:09,545
I will share, um, uh, shortly. And, uh,

1313
01:39:09,985 --> 01:39:13,865
we plan to be in annapolis. Again, I invite any and all

1314
01:39:14,085 --> 01:39:18,025
members who want to advocate on behalf of team bcps to join me,

1315
01:39:18,665 --> 01:39:22,525
uh, as I will be there, often advocating on behalf of our 108,000

1316
01:39:23,645 --> 01:39:27,605
students. And at the local level, uh, what we have to appreciate

1317
01:39:28,385 --> 01:39:32,345
is that they receive their funding from the federal and the state level. And

1318
01:39:32,565 --> 01:39:36,195
so, uh, a reduction at those levels also

1319
01:39:36,785 --> 01:39:40,685
impact them. And so I am, um, grateful that our

1320
01:39:40,885 --> 01:39:44,755
county executive not knowing what will come out of this legislative

1321
01:39:45,445 --> 01:39:49,145
session, which I believe, uh, begins tomorrow, um,

1322
01:39:49,745 --> 01:39:53,285
has committed to team bcps an above maintenance

1323
01:39:53,905 --> 01:39:57,785
of effort budget. Um, what she has committed to is,

1324
01:39:58,185 --> 01:39:59,565
uh, the equivalent of $29.73 million

1325
01:40:02,215 --> 01:40:06,145
above what is required, um, for the

1326
01:40:06,365 --> 01:40:09,245
school system based on our enrollment in our formulas.

1327
01:40:10,755 --> 01:40:14,655
next slide, please. And

1328
01:40:14,875 --> 01:40:18,775
so, it's important that we take a look at student enrollment, um,

1329
01:40:19,335 --> 01:40:23,285
as, uh, you are aware of, as we have shared this previously. Enrollment

1330
01:40:23,975 --> 01:40:27,485
has not bounced back, uh, since covid. This is the trend

1331
01:40:28,055 --> 01:40:31,935
in the state of maryland and baltimore county. Public schools is no

1332
01:40:32,155 --> 01:40:36,155
different. Uh, we have had an opportunity to examine some of the

1333
01:40:36,315 --> 01:40:40,275
reasons, um, for the decline in enrollment. What we have learned

1334
01:40:40,775 --> 01:40:44,775
is over the last 10 years, particularly in baltimore county, um,

1335
01:40:45,055 --> 01:40:48,825
or specifically in baltimore county. And, uh, there are, uh, some

1336
01:40:49,115 --> 01:40:53,075
data to, uh, support this. There is a lower birth rate overall,

1337
01:40:54,065 --> 01:40:57,845
um, over the last 10 years, which has an impact on the number of school

1338
01:40:58,425 --> 01:41:02,405
age children, um, that are available to come to our public schools.

1339
01:41:03,265 --> 01:41:07,105
uh, there has been an increase in homeschooling, uh, since, uh,

1340
01:41:07,465 --> 01:41:11,445
the pandemic, although this last year we were successful and attracting,

1341
01:41:12,425 --> 01:41:16,345
uh, more homeschooling families back, uh, to our online

1342
01:41:16,885 --> 01:41:20,715
programs. Um, in bcps, we have noted for this last

1343
01:41:21,005 --> 01:41:24,205
year, the immigration policy has had an impact on our multilingual

1344
01:41:25,045 --> 01:41:29,005
learners and their, um, attendance in school. And so

1345
01:41:29,205 --> 01:41:33,125
these are some of the reasons. And, um, at the same time, as you know,

1346
01:41:33,455 --> 01:41:36,885
wages and benefits are increasing. And I bring this to your attention

1347
01:41:37,595 --> 01:41:41,405
because all of our funding sources, um, at the federal

1348
01:41:41,815 --> 01:41:44,995
level, at the state level, and at the local level, they are tied

1349
01:41:45,885 --> 01:41:49,715
directly to enrollment. So based on the number of students that

1350
01:41:50,025 --> 01:41:53,845
you have attending, whatever the formula is, it is multiplied

1351
01:41:54,185 --> 01:41:57,755
by the number of students. And so when you have fewer students attending,

1352
01:41:58,775 --> 01:42:01,885
there are fewer funds coming into the school system.

1353
01:42:03,065 --> 01:42:05,945
if we take a closer look, next slide please. At

1354
01:42:07,195 --> 01:42:10,825
student enrollment, um, we will share, uh,

1355
01:42:11,275 --> 01:42:15,225
some data that is specific to, uh, what we

1356
01:42:15,505 --> 01:42:19,365
are anticipating for fy 27. Um, important to

1357
01:42:19,565 --> 01:42:23,385
note on this slide. Um, it includes, uh, not only the

1358
01:42:23,695 --> 01:42:27,565
wages, but the benefits as well. Um, so for fy

1359
01:42:27,925 --> 01:42:31,615
27, we are anticipating $46 million worth

1360
01:42:31,965 --> 01:42:35,925
of additional revenue for team bcps. Um, some of

1361
01:42:36,045 --> 01:42:39,705
that is at risk, which I will share in the upcoming slide. Um,

1362
01:42:40,625 --> 01:42:44,335
and it is also important to share that under

1363
01:42:45,105 --> 01:42:49,045
any funding scenario that we had planned for team

1364
01:42:49,445 --> 01:42:53,405
bcps, um, all members of team bcps were to

1365
01:42:53,605 --> 01:42:57,405
receive a raise. The second half of the year two compensation

1366
01:42:58,825 --> 01:43:02,385
was built into any and all projections that we had.

1367
01:43:03,065 --> 01:43:05,085
um, that amount is $28.1 million.

1368
01:43:07,225 --> 01:43:11,165
so $28.1 million of the 46, uh, million

1369
01:43:11,605 --> 01:43:15,425
dollars increase, um, was something that we planned for.

1370
01:43:16,105 --> 01:43:19,485
um, $60 million is the cost of additional compensation

1371
01:43:20,205 --> 01:43:23,725
for the three year, the year three of the compensation package.

1372
01:43:24,515 --> 01:43:27,365
when you add the benefits, it increases to $64.9 million.

1373
01:43:30,065 --> 01:43:33,805
so right here on this slide, um, we can see the math problem

1374
01:43:34,675 --> 01:43:38,165
that the budget, um, poses for us in team bcps,

1375
01:43:39,175 --> 01:43:42,605
right there, just in compensation is a $47 million

1376
01:43:44,305 --> 01:43:48,235
gap. This does not include increased costs for fuel,

1377
01:43:49,065 --> 01:43:52,805
for, uh, contracts and et cetera. This is just for compensation.

1378
01:43:54,395 --> 01:43:58,105
next slide, please. As I stated before,

1379
01:43:59,015 --> 01:44:02,765
there is a risk of the full state funding that we are aware of,

1380
01:44:03,385 --> 01:44:06,845
uh, prior to covid. You'll recall, uh, that school systems

1381
01:44:07,565 --> 01:44:11,215
compensatory education or what we used to call farms.

1382
01:44:11,865 --> 01:44:14,845
um, specifically we are speaking about economically disadvantaged

1383
01:44:15,925 --> 01:44:19,505
students. That number was determined based on farms or

1384
01:44:20,035 --> 01:44:23,785
snap, uh, certification. There is, um,

1385
01:44:24,525 --> 01:44:28,045
a potential risk to move away from the hold harmless,

1386
01:44:29,105 --> 01:44:33,085
um, that we have been operating under to going back to

1387
01:44:33,285 --> 01:44:37,155
direct certification using forms, um, or snap

1388
01:44:37,805 --> 01:44:41,645
benefits. Um, as I shared with you, everything that we do is based

1389
01:44:41,965 --> 01:44:45,395
on enrollment. So based on the number of students that attend baltimore

1390
01:44:46,005 --> 01:44:49,675
county public schools, there is a potential loss of $15.45 million.

1391
01:44:52,505 --> 01:44:56,265
uh, we have already started working on this, um, in

1392
01:44:56,725 --> 01:45:00,305
november, when this information came to us, um, state, um,

1393
01:45:00,955 --> 01:45:04,205
association of superintendents, we all came together,

1394
01:45:05,105 --> 01:45:09,065
the executive, uh, team of which I am president elect. We

1395
01:45:09,285 --> 01:45:13,045
wrote a letter to the governor requesting two things that are depicted

1396
01:45:13,525 --> 01:45:17,245
on this slide, and overall hold harmless for fy 27.

1397
01:45:18,265 --> 01:45:22,125
so we do not have this negative impact on our school system

1398
01:45:22,635 --> 01:45:26,445
budgets and a provision that would ensure that no school system receives

1399
01:45:27,115 --> 01:45:30,885
less compensatory funding. In other words, less funding

1400
01:45:31,665 --> 01:45:35,565
for economically disadvantaged students than was provided in this

1401
01:45:35,805 --> 01:45:39,605
current fiscal year. As well as a continuation of hold harmless

1402
01:45:40,305 --> 01:45:43,925
for community eligibility, uh, programs of which

1403
01:45:44,465 --> 01:45:48,245
we are a part of that. Um, as you know, we provide free meals,

1404
01:45:48,555 --> 01:45:52,195
breakfast and lunch to all of our students. This is the third year

1405
01:45:52,625 --> 01:45:56,165
in a row, and we do not want anything that would jeopardize,

1406
01:45:57,105 --> 01:46:00,585
um, our students having access to meals and

1407
01:46:01,165 --> 01:46:05,005
reintroducing food insecurity in our schools. Next slide, please.

1408
01:46:07,385 --> 01:46:11,315
and so, one of the questions that we wanted to answer very clearly and very plainly

1409
01:46:12,225 --> 01:46:16,085
for all members of our internal community and all members of the external

1410
01:46:16,315 --> 01:46:20,025
community, is about bcps, uh,

1411
01:46:20,565 --> 01:46:23,885
spending and the, uh, amount of funds that we receive.

1412
01:46:24,825 --> 01:46:28,325
um, sometimes in isolation, hearing the size of the budget,

1413
01:46:29,265 --> 01:46:33,165
um, uh, people ask the question, well, where is the money

1414
01:46:33,335 --> 01:46:36,965
going? Uh, the purpose of this graphic is to answer that

1415
01:46:37,805 --> 01:46:40,865
question. Um, 82 cents of every dollar

1416
01:46:41,905 --> 01:46:45,715
of our $2.7 billion goes

1417
01:46:46,105 --> 01:46:49,905
to employees in baltimore county public schools. And

1418
01:46:50,125 --> 01:46:53,725
while sometimes it is stated, if only you do x,

1419
01:46:54,345 --> 01:46:58,285
you'll be able to close the budget gap. We wanna make sure

1420
01:46:58,555 --> 01:47:01,825
that people know that that is not correct. 82 cents,

1421
01:47:03,675 --> 01:47:07,255
what you see in dark green shows you the percentage

1422
01:47:08,595 --> 01:47:11,565
that goes to different members of team bcps.

1423
01:47:13,025 --> 01:47:16,545
so it is proportional. And so comments about non-represented

1424
01:47:17,655 --> 01:47:21,425
staff. Non-represented staff are part of the one

1425
01:47:21,895 --> 01:47:25,365
penny that also include contractual employees.

1426
01:47:26,345 --> 01:47:30,035
the largest portion of our budget, and rightfully so, goes

1427
01:47:30,465 --> 01:47:34,205
to represented tabco represented employees.

1428
01:47:34,995 --> 01:47:38,365
that is followed by afscme represented employees,

1429
01:47:39,405 --> 01:47:42,565
e-s-p-b-c, followed by case ope,

1430
01:47:43,585 --> 01:47:47,245
and then all others. What's important to note is 18 cents

1431
01:47:48,465 --> 01:47:51,965
is what else is used to operate the entire school system.

1432
01:47:52,995 --> 01:47:56,865
when I say operate the school system, I mean all

1433
01:47:57,085 --> 01:48:00,935
of the lights, the light bulbs, the light builds, everything

1434
01:48:01,605 --> 01:48:05,465
that you can think of. All of our, um, rental

1435
01:48:05,975 --> 01:48:09,405
agreements, our buses paying for non-public placements

1436
01:48:10,845 --> 01:48:14,635
supplies, it is 18 cents. And so no

1437
01:48:14,855 --> 01:48:18,435
matter how much work we do around the edges to

1438
01:48:19,005 --> 01:48:22,255
trim, cut, reduce, find efficiencies

1439
01:48:23,195 --> 01:48:26,735
for the 18 cents. At the end of the day, 18 cents

1440
01:48:27,515 --> 01:48:31,365
is still 18 cents and everything has a cost. Next

1441
01:48:31,655 --> 01:48:35,285
slide, please. So, as I alluded to earlier,

1442
01:48:36,065 --> 01:48:40,065
we engage in a staffing analysis, um, to ensure

1443
01:48:41,155 --> 01:48:44,645
that there were no blind spots that we had missed either internally

1444
01:48:45,585 --> 01:48:49,585
or with making comparisons to other school systems. In

1445
01:48:50,085 --> 01:48:54,045
maryland, we partnered with education resource strategies. They have been

1446
01:48:54,205 --> 01:48:58,045
working for more than two decades with schools, districts, and state

1447
01:48:58,365 --> 01:49:01,835
leaders. More than 30 systems, um, focused

1448
01:49:02,545 --> 01:49:06,545
on budgets, focused on how to shift resources and

1449
01:49:06,765 --> 01:49:10,425
opportunities to ensure that, um,

1450
01:49:10,885 --> 01:49:14,505
staffing is aligned, um, to create budget

1451
01:49:14,925 --> 01:49:18,725
efficiencies while still meeting the needs of the students. Over the next

1452
01:49:19,025 --> 01:49:21,365
few slides, I will share some of the findings.

1453
01:49:24,775 --> 01:49:27,885
so this first slide depicts leadership in central office management

1454
01:49:28,955 --> 01:49:32,415
positions. Um, you'll note for each one of the slides,

1455
01:49:33,495 --> 01:49:37,455
uh, there is baltimore county, and then a comparison to the

1456
01:49:37,775 --> 01:49:41,595
median. Uh, while they have worked with well over 30 districts,

1457
01:49:41,875 --> 01:49:45,635
they identified the eight districts that had the eight school

1458
01:49:45,915 --> 01:49:49,515
systems that had demographics that were closely aligned,

1459
01:49:50,465 --> 01:49:54,385
uh, to baltimore county public schools and identified the medium. Uh,

1460
01:49:54,755 --> 01:49:58,585
what you see here is our percent of overall staff and leadership and

1461
01:49:58,805 --> 01:50:02,195
management is leaner less than

1462
01:50:03,065 --> 01:50:06,925
the median in baltimore county public schools. When you take a closer

1463
01:50:07,315 --> 01:50:11,225
look at the adjusted leadership and management, and you're looking at

1464
01:50:11,885 --> 01:50:15,635
specific position areas, um, executive directors, area

1465
01:50:16,045 --> 01:50:19,835
officers, coordinators, managers, et cetera, um, you will also

1466
01:50:20,125 --> 01:50:23,665
note that our positions are

1467
01:50:24,275 --> 01:50:27,405
much less than the median of the comparison

1468
01:50:28,525 --> 01:50:30,605
districts. Next slide, please.

1469
01:50:33,435 --> 01:50:37,165
when we look at instructional ratios, this is what's happening inside of our school

1470
01:50:37,685 --> 01:50:41,045
buildings and special education positions. Uh, the first,

1471
01:50:41,865 --> 01:50:45,705
um, graphs in, uh, the golden rod and

1472
01:50:45,965 --> 01:50:49,435
eggplant, those are the instructional ratios. We first have

1473
01:50:50,165 --> 01:50:54,165
teachers only when we're comparing all teachers to our student

1474
01:50:54,695 --> 01:50:58,485
population. And then what you have in purple, our teachers and what they

1475
01:50:58,765 --> 01:51:02,605
are terming teacher assistants, tas include all of our

1476
01:51:02,905 --> 01:51:06,315
paraprofessionals, any classroom assistants, as well as paraeducators.

1477
01:51:07,625 --> 01:51:11,545
um, baltimore county. Um, our instructional ratio of

1478
01:51:12,005 --> 01:51:15,285
students to all teachers, and our instructional ratio of teachers

1479
01:51:16,025 --> 01:51:19,665
and tas is higher than the median. If

1480
01:51:20,085 --> 01:51:23,595
we take a look at special education teachers, so only special education

1481
01:51:24,525 --> 01:51:28,445
teachers assigned to our special education, uh, students,

1482
01:51:28,695 --> 01:51:32,685
which that staffing is separate and different from our general

1483
01:51:32,965 --> 01:51:36,685
education, uh, students. Um, you will note that our staffing,

1484
01:51:37,695 --> 01:51:41,595
again, is higher than the median. Um, they

1485
01:51:41,885 --> 01:51:45,565
have identified the, um, the implied number

1486
01:51:45,905 --> 01:51:49,805
of ftes higher than the median, where we have well over a hundred

1487
01:51:50,405 --> 01:51:54,365
positions higher in than the median. Um, this is, uh, pointing

1488
01:51:54,925 --> 01:51:58,675
to that our, um, in these two areas that

1489
01:51:58,965 --> 01:52:00,845
baltimore county public schools is well-resourced.

1490
01:52:05,475 --> 01:52:09,285
and the final slide from the staffing analysis is around our student support,

1491
01:52:09,955 --> 01:52:13,635
uh, services positions. Um, how are we supporting our

1492
01:52:14,135 --> 01:52:17,945
students outside of the classroom? So the first area is around pupil

1493
01:52:18,655 --> 01:52:22,655
services and enrichment. That includes, um, supervisors in this area,

1494
01:52:22,895 --> 01:52:26,675
coordinators, managers, social workers, guidance counselors, um,

1495
01:52:26,965 --> 01:52:30,635
that service our students. You will note that bcps is,

1496
01:52:31,115 --> 01:52:34,995
um, right at the median with 3.6. Um,

1497
01:52:35,395 --> 01:52:39,095
but what I wanna call your attention to is the green and the dark

1498
01:52:39,405 --> 01:52:43,315
blue. Um, while we are at 3.6 and aligned with the median

1499
01:52:44,115 --> 01:52:47,565
by overall positions, we have fewer, uh, middle management

1500
01:52:48,525 --> 01:52:52,365
positions, which are highlighted in green and more counselor positions,

1501
01:52:52,645 --> 01:52:56,355
which provide direct services to our students. To take a closer look

1502
01:52:56,705 --> 01:53:00,505
at counselors, um, you'll note the last bar graph, um,

1503
01:53:00,945 --> 01:53:04,785
the median while the ask a recommendation is two 50 to one,

1504
01:53:05,385 --> 01:53:09,245
um, baltimore county public schools is continuing to make headway and very

1505
01:53:09,485 --> 01:53:13,265
close to that recommendation. We are at 2 69. Um,

1506
01:53:13,705 --> 01:53:17,545
we are lower, um, than the median in

1507
01:53:17,765 --> 01:53:21,525
terms of the number of counselors that we have provided for our

1508
01:53:22,045 --> 01:53:25,565
students over time. Um, I have shared highlights from this report

1509
01:53:26,345 --> 01:53:29,825
as part of what is posted on budget 1 0 1. Um,

1510
01:53:30,465 --> 01:53:34,335
the report for baltimore county public schools will be posted there along

1511
01:53:34,685 --> 01:53:38,405
with the comparison of the eight other districts, um, that will be posted,

1512
01:53:39,105 --> 01:53:41,325
uh, this week. Next slide, please.

1513
01:53:43,705 --> 01:53:47,325
and so we have made reductions. Uh, this slide speaks to our

1514
01:53:47,725 --> 01:53:51,535
reductions in built in costs. Uh, built in costs are not optional. These

1515
01:53:51,945 --> 01:53:55,285
are fixed obligation, um, everything from transportation

1516
01:53:56,865 --> 01:54:00,105
to, um, textbooks, technology license, telecommunication,

1517
01:54:01,025 --> 01:54:04,525
paying insurance, and facilities maintenance is a part of this.

1518
01:54:05,145 --> 01:54:09,105
uh, what's highlighted for you in bold are the areas where we

1519
01:54:09,345 --> 01:54:13,205
are reducing our built in costs. Those are diesel and unleaded

1520
01:54:13,755 --> 01:54:17,205
fuel, telecommunications facilities, maintenance

1521
01:54:18,075 --> 01:54:21,435
devices and software license fees, reduced workforce

1522
01:54:22,235 --> 01:54:25,845
development carryover and it contract services

1523
01:54:26,265 --> 01:54:30,015
and vehicle parts. Our total reductions in built-in costs

1524
01:54:30,945 --> 01:54:34,885
is $4.07 million. And this is at

1525
01:54:35,045 --> 01:54:39,045
a time where costs are rising. Next slide, please.

1526
01:54:41,625 --> 01:54:45,565
um, as I shared, we reviewed all of our contracts, and some of

1527
01:54:45,725 --> 01:54:49,525
this work is ongoing as we are working directly with

1528
01:54:49,805 --> 01:54:52,685
vendors, uh, to renegotiate. This slide captures,

1529
01:54:53,865 --> 01:54:57,835
um, negotiations that have, um, uh, continued

1530
01:54:58,445 --> 01:55:02,295
opportunities to, um, uh, avoid different costs.

1531
01:55:03,105 --> 01:55:07,075
um, you'll see here, uh, assessments, uh, from,

1532
01:55:07,785 --> 01:55:11,255
uh, research, accountability and assessment facilities,

1533
01:55:12,145 --> 01:55:15,865
transportation information tech technology and

1534
01:55:16,175 --> 01:55:19,535
curriculum and instruction. Reduced costs

1535
01:55:20,395 --> 01:55:24,155
from, uh, the price of, um, cost for assessments,

1536
01:55:25,265 --> 01:55:29,065
our facilities, support services, cost avoidance, and on budget 1 0 1,

1537
01:55:29,585 --> 01:55:33,345
we will have posted those specific, uh, contracts, um,

1538
01:55:33,795 --> 01:55:37,505
that have allowed us for fy 26 and moving forward to,

1539
01:55:37,985 --> 01:55:41,955
um, avoid, um, this, uh, tremendous cost,

1540
01:55:42,705 --> 01:55:45,805
um, elimination of duplicate, uh, gps,

1541
01:55:46,985 --> 01:55:50,315
our ability to reduce our ukg, um, license,

1542
01:55:51,465 --> 01:55:55,325
our ability to align our microsoft license to positions that

1543
01:55:55,605 --> 01:55:59,425
people have. Um, in across our system, the

1544
01:55:59,775 --> 01:56:03,745
board approved, uh, pause on, um, ib in

1545
01:56:03,965 --> 01:56:07,905
elementary and middle, which has yielded, uh, forward progress for

1546
01:56:08,125 --> 01:56:12,065
those students. That, uh, pause also comes with a savings and

1547
01:56:12,285 --> 01:56:16,045
the continued use of structured literacy as part of our

1548
01:56:16,445 --> 01:56:20,305
hmh, um, contract, uh, that is

1549
01:56:20,845 --> 01:56:24,425
separate from our costs that we have in our budget for

1550
01:56:25,005 --> 01:56:28,245
contractual personnel. Um, across our budget for years,

1551
01:56:29,185 --> 01:56:33,025
we have had contractual personnel either, uh, work for

1552
01:56:33,285 --> 01:56:37,255
a certain period of time over the school year to address needs

1553
01:56:37,945 --> 01:56:41,805
in departments and divisions or work. Um, throughout the year,

1554
01:56:42,385 --> 01:56:45,865
uh, the team has gone in and made reductions in excess

1555
01:56:46,505 --> 01:56:49,315
of $8.6 million in this area,

1556
01:56:52,725 --> 01:56:56,465
reductions in new spending. So typically, um, there is

1557
01:56:56,985 --> 01:57:00,785
new spending that must be added to the budget, uh, based on

1558
01:57:01,005 --> 01:57:04,925
the needs of the school system. This slide shows for you the historical

1559
01:57:05,925 --> 01:57:09,805
bcps new spending, uh, for the years of 2021 and

1560
01:57:10,005 --> 01:57:13,685
2022. Um, the amounts in the operating

1561
01:57:14,205 --> 01:57:17,885
budget were lower than before, and that is because we were receiving

1562
01:57:18,725 --> 01:57:22,035
esser funding. Um, part of that esser funding went

1563
01:57:22,765 --> 01:57:26,425
specific lead to salaries, wages, contracted services and

1564
01:57:26,965 --> 01:57:30,665
benefits. Um, the numbers that you see on these, uh,

1565
01:57:31,235 --> 01:57:34,965
line items for 20 21, 20 22, they don't reflect

1566
01:57:35,425 --> 01:57:39,285
all of the esser spending, or excuse me, all of the esser funding that we have

1567
01:57:39,685 --> 01:57:43,325
received. They only reflect the additional esser funding

1568
01:57:43,875 --> 01:57:47,765
that we used, uh, for wages and benefits in those

1569
01:57:47,985 --> 01:57:51,985
two fiscal years. Um, in 2025, uh,

1570
01:57:52,705 --> 01:57:55,325
we had 69.7 or $69.8 million

1571
01:57:57,145 --> 01:58:00,525
of additional new spending. Last year, we reduced that amount

1572
01:58:01,205 --> 01:58:02,845
dramatically, um, to $24.4 million.

1573
01:58:05,425 --> 01:58:08,725
and this year, we are moving forward. Uh, I am proposing

1574
01:58:09,525 --> 01:58:12,165
a budget that reduces that amount by 73.6%

1575
01:58:14,305 --> 01:58:17,405
to $6.4 million. Next slide, please.

1576
01:58:21,355 --> 01:58:25,125
even with all of the reductions that I have detailed for you, that is not enough.

1577
01:58:25,725 --> 01:58:28,815
I recall your attention to the, uh, enrollment

1578
01:58:29,905 --> 01:58:33,045
and our enrollment, the gap between our revenue

1579
01:58:33,985 --> 01:58:37,955
and the costs for compensation and our commitment to fully fund

1580
01:58:38,635 --> 01:58:42,565
both year three of the compensation package in addition

1581
01:58:42,745 --> 01:58:45,895
to the second half of year two. And so this slide

1582
01:58:46,755 --> 01:58:50,565
details the additional reductions, net position reductions.

1583
01:58:51,465 --> 01:58:54,315
um, we have, uh, this number includes 594.4

1584
01:58:55,885 --> 01:58:59,845
for a total of $58.9 million. It includes

1585
01:59:00,365 --> 01:59:04,235
111.5 school-based positions tied to enrollment. This

1586
01:59:04,525 --> 01:59:08,005
is a number that you will see in our operating budget annually.

1587
01:59:09,105 --> 01:59:12,685
um, it is always, um, tied to the september 30th enrollment

1588
01:59:13,325 --> 01:59:17,245
and tied to the funding that we receive from our sources. In addition to that

1589
01:59:17,805 --> 01:59:21,785
324.8 position tied to a change in

1590
01:59:22,005 --> 01:59:25,925
staffing allocation formula on this slide, you will see the proposal

1591
01:59:26,345 --> 01:59:30,245
to have no change to our youngest learners, uh, pre-k and kindergarten

1592
01:59:30,905 --> 01:59:34,425
at 22. Um, but moving grades one through 12

1593
01:59:35,265 --> 01:59:39,235
to 25 actualize those save savings. It's

1594
01:59:39,525 --> 01:59:43,405
important to note at this time. Um, in our, uh, master

1595
01:59:43,815 --> 01:59:47,705
agreements, we have no layoffs and no furloughs. Um,

1596
01:59:48,505 --> 01:59:51,735
our these reductions, um, can be actualized,

1597
01:59:52,545 --> 01:59:56,205
the majority of them through annual attrition. Uh, annually

1598
01:59:56,865 --> 02:00:00,685
we hire hundreds of teachers into baltimore county public schools.

1599
02:00:01,705 --> 02:00:05,405
um, what this means is that we would hire fewer teachers

1600
02:00:06,065 --> 02:00:09,925
in fiscal year 2027. Um, we also have

1601
02:00:10,125 --> 02:00:13,415
36 additional central office positions, 40

1602
02:00:14,155 --> 02:00:16,725
assistant principal positions over the formula,

1603
02:00:18,345 --> 02:00:22,345
23.3 staff development positions, 12.3

1604
02:00:23,795 --> 02:00:27,285
secondary reading positions based on the schedules

1605
02:00:27,825 --> 02:00:31,825
and the actual sections, uh, that our students are in,

1606
02:00:32,315 --> 02:00:36,115
what their data, uh, calls for that they need, uh, 5.2

1607
02:00:37,285 --> 02:00:40,765
reduction in online learning programs and an additional

1608
02:00:41,435 --> 02:00:45,065
$449,782 in

1609
02:00:45,605 --> 02:00:49,545
contractual employee services. Um, we have, uh,

1610
02:00:49,905 --> 02:00:53,185
met with our directors of title one and,

1611
02:00:54,025 --> 02:00:57,985
um, community schools to review opportunities to offset

1612
02:00:59,045 --> 02:01:02,765
positions from the operating budget to the grants. This has yielded

1613
02:01:03,265 --> 02:01:07,005
in a reduction of 41.6 positions, totaling $5.2 million.

1614
02:01:09,225 --> 02:01:12,805
um, it includes, uh, ppws counselors, reading specialists

1615
02:01:13,465 --> 02:01:16,905
and staff development positions. Um, additional it

1616
02:01:17,925 --> 02:01:21,845
reductions for $2.75 million and reduction in summer

1617
02:01:22,125 --> 02:01:24,325
school costs for, uh, $432,000.

1618
02:01:28,315 --> 02:01:31,925
also, want to highlight for you, uh, the increased

1619
02:01:32,505 --> 02:01:36,405
use of fund balance. Uh, last year we had some conversation

1620
02:01:37,165 --> 02:01:40,925
about our use of, uh, fund balance, if you will recall,

1621
02:01:41,465 --> 02:01:44,795
in the fy 26 budget. We began with proposing,

1622
02:01:45,545 --> 02:01:49,485
uh, $18 million to be used from the fund balance. We increased

1623
02:01:50,465 --> 02:01:54,125
to $30 million of the fund balance to fund additional compensation,

1624
02:01:55,265 --> 02:01:59,055
uh, for our staff members. Um, after our final,

1625
02:01:59,825 --> 02:02:02,965
uh, negotiated agreements, uh, we moved to $37.8 million

1626
02:02:05,465 --> 02:02:09,365
of use, um, of our fund balance. This fy 27

1627
02:02:10,065 --> 02:02:13,835
budget proposes that we increase even more

1628
02:02:14,665 --> 02:02:18,545
to $50 million of, uh, fund balance use

1629
02:02:18,785 --> 02:02:22,645
for the upcoming year. Um, it's important to note that when you

1630
02:02:22,805 --> 02:02:25,845
look at the fund balance, you will see the cushion that is necessary,

1631
02:02:26,985 --> 02:02:30,625
um, from the county re uh, recommendation for

1632
02:02:31,285 --> 02:02:35,205
emergencies and contingencies. And you will see, um, I

1633
02:02:35,325 --> 02:02:39,045
believe it's another $20 million. Um, above that

1634
02:02:39,685 --> 02:02:43,525
I want to call your attention to a few slides ago. And the

1635
02:02:43,725 --> 02:02:46,865
state funding risks that we have of, um,

1636
02:02:47,805 --> 02:02:50,925
14, uh, more in excess of, uh, excuse me, $15 million.

1637
02:02:53,025 --> 02:02:56,625
um, what it means if we do not, um, ensure

1638
02:02:57,155 --> 02:03:00,935
that we have proper fund balance available and we are not successful,

1639
02:03:02,185 --> 02:03:06,065
um, in our advocacy in annapolis, is

1640
02:03:06,285 --> 02:03:09,195
that we would be looking, uh, for $15 million.

1641
02:03:11,025 --> 02:03:14,655
um, and I believe that's the correct, uh, number of additional

1642
02:03:15,965 --> 02:03:19,755
reductions to the budget. Um, and so I just want to, um, highlight

1643
02:03:20,365 --> 02:03:23,855
that for everyone, the need that we are indeed increasing

1644
02:03:24,825 --> 02:03:28,795
the use of fund balance to try to mitigate and offset some

1645
02:03:29,105 --> 02:03:32,165
of the, um, reductions that we have to make internally,

1646
02:03:33,425 --> 02:03:37,185
and the need for us to be fiscally responsible and ensure

1647
02:03:37,755 --> 02:03:41,405
that there are funds remaining in the fund balance in case,

1648
02:03:42,065 --> 02:03:46,035
um, we receive some, uh, information from this legislative

1649
02:03:46,725 --> 02:03:50,525
session, um, in annapolis. Next slide.

1650
02:03:51,745 --> 02:03:55,505
our new spending, as I shared, is minimal. Um,

1651
02:03:55,905 --> 02:03:58,865
we are moving from 24.4 million to 6.4 million.

1652
02:04:01,105 --> 02:04:05,105
uh, what is on this slide is what is absolutely necessary. You'll

1653
02:04:05,525 --> 02:04:09,285
see $3.46 million for our two charter schools

1654
02:04:10,155 --> 02:04:13,905
that are coming online as is required. And, um,

1655
02:04:14,585 --> 02:04:18,535
uh, speech and language pathologists we have invested

1656
02:04:18,795 --> 02:04:22,715
in reducing the caseload. Um, you'll see that the

1657
02:04:23,035 --> 02:04:27,015
amount here, the, the cost, um, needed to continue that

1658
02:04:27,795 --> 02:04:31,365
and special education, um, nine special education paraeducators

1659
02:04:32,275 --> 02:04:35,945
and 11 special education teachers for a total of 20 staff

1660
02:04:36,295 --> 02:04:40,085
members to support our scls, our cls

1661
02:04:40,745 --> 02:04:44,685
and our continuum of service, um, programs in our schools

1662
02:04:45,105 --> 02:04:48,685
to directly meet the needs of our students. That is a total of an additional

1663
02:04:49,365 --> 02:04:53,165
spending of $5.23 million in academic

1664
02:04:53,395 --> 02:04:55,945
achievement in the area of infrastructure.

1665
02:04:57,505 --> 02:05:01,285
the only things that are here are, um, required.

1666
02:05:02,745 --> 02:05:06,625
um, you'll notice facilities, uh, management, uh, the

1667
02:05:06,845 --> 02:05:10,645
12 building service workers that are needed, um, for the additional

1668
02:05:11,465 --> 02:05:14,985
square footage and our new projects. So you'll note ock,

1669
02:05:15,865 --> 02:05:19,195
sos point high school, lansdown high school, and deer park,

1670
02:05:20,025 --> 02:05:23,825
um, elementary school. The square footage has requirements on, uh,

1671
02:05:24,045 --> 02:05:27,475
staffing to maintain that square footage. Uh, you'll also,

1672
02:05:28,385 --> 02:05:32,285
um, note, uh, where I see a,

1673
02:05:32,405 --> 02:05:36,375
uh, typo, where you see the fte and it says 20 under

1674
02:05:37,045 --> 02:05:40,555
research, accountability and assessment, please let the record reflect

1675
02:05:41,795 --> 02:05:45,675
that is false. It is zero in that line,

1676
02:05:46,065 --> 02:05:49,865
and what is uploaded will be corrected. Uh, but what we are requesting is

1677
02:05:50,175 --> 02:05:53,715
$55,000 for a contractual transcripts,

1678
02:05:54,785 --> 02:05:58,685
um, office, uh, person to respond to all of

1679
02:05:58,805 --> 02:06:02,705
the transcript requests for the, um, school system and,

1680
02:06:03,185 --> 02:06:07,145
um, data analytics, um, office, which I believe is,

1681
02:06:07,545 --> 02:06:11,325
um, uh, $110,000 or $55,000,

1682
02:06:12,365 --> 02:06:16,125
pardon me, $55,000 for that amount. So that correction will be made.

1683
02:06:16,865 --> 02:06:20,845
um, uh, for the record, uh, in safety and climate, I wanted to share,

1684
02:06:21,085 --> 02:06:24,965
while we have no new expenditures, I did want to respond to our community.

1685
02:06:25,825 --> 02:06:29,765
as you know, one of the things that, uh, we did was put out a

1686
02:06:29,885 --> 02:06:33,235
survey, uh, directly to the community regarding

1687
02:06:33,945 --> 02:06:37,745
the continued use of omni alert in our schools. And we

1688
02:06:37,965 --> 02:06:41,845
had a sev separate, uh, one question survey that went directly to our

1689
02:06:42,045 --> 02:06:45,725
principals about the continued use of omni alert in our schools.

1690
02:06:46,425 --> 02:06:49,895
um, it was very important for us that we heard directly from principal principals,

1691
02:06:50,825 --> 02:06:54,355
uh, because as you know, um, if there were any emergency,

1692
02:06:54,965 --> 02:06:58,785
they are indeed the first responders in a school. Um, what we

1693
02:06:59,005 --> 02:07:02,285
heard from our communities, more than 2,700 responses,

1694
02:07:03,025 --> 02:07:06,645
um, more than 75% of the members of the community,

1695
02:07:07,505 --> 02:07:10,925
um, uh, said that they supported continued

1696
02:07:11,525 --> 02:07:15,125
funding of omni alert in schools. When we looked at the data from our principals,

1697
02:07:15,775 --> 02:07:19,465
eight out of every 10 principals, 80% of our principals, um,

1698
02:07:19,955 --> 02:07:23,925
requested the continued funding of omni alert in schools. And so wanted to

1699
02:07:24,205 --> 02:07:27,845
make sure that we closed, uh, the loop on that. Next slide, please.

1700
02:07:31,895 --> 02:07:35,445
this slide, uh, details the compensation costs while I gave an

1701
02:07:35,925 --> 02:07:39,785
overview and reference to enrollment. Um, this slide, the

1702
02:07:40,005 --> 02:07:43,885
first, uh, column represents our unions. We also have non-represented

1703
02:07:44,795 --> 02:07:48,325
here, um, the year two, as I indicated, every budget

1704
02:07:49,005 --> 02:07:52,965
scenario accounts for raise for all employees. So what the

1705
02:07:53,325 --> 02:07:57,085
cost of that is broken out by union is in the second

1706
02:07:57,345 --> 02:08:01,235
column. Uh, the third column, um, details the full

1707
02:08:01,675 --> 02:08:05,225
year three compensation costs. These include the

1708
02:08:05,685 --> 02:08:09,155
benefits that we are required to pay. And so you see the total cost,

1709
02:08:10,105 --> 02:08:13,605
um, represented both in table form as well

1710
02:08:14,145 --> 02:08:14,925
as the pie chart.

1711
02:08:21,115 --> 02:08:25,045
next slide, please. And so we'll move into the financial summary. So when

1712
02:08:25,245 --> 02:08:28,865
we look at the general fund revenue, um, the local proposed budget

1713
02:08:29,665 --> 02:08:33,185
is, um, uh, a little more than, uh,

1714
02:08:33,765 --> 02:08:37,655
a, a billion uh, dollars here. Um,

1715
02:08:38,535 --> 02:08:39,995
you see the state is 992.5 million,

1716
02:08:42,895 --> 02:08:45,085
and for other and federal funds, 67.9,

1717
02:08:47,055 --> 02:08:51,015
uh, totaling, uh, two, uh, almost 2.1 billion.

1718
02:08:54,305 --> 02:08:58,035
next slide, all funds revenue. Uh, this shows you the general

1719
02:08:58,325 --> 02:09:02,215
funds, but as I, uh, shared before, the operating budget has

1720
02:09:02,535 --> 02:09:06,205
six different funds. And so this slide, uh, captures those six funds.

1721
02:09:06,575 --> 02:09:10,565
you'll see the general funds special revenue, which are all of our grant funds

1722
02:09:11,215 --> 02:09:15,035
for the operating budget subtotal. Um, uh, listed

1723
02:09:15,645 --> 02:09:19,325
below are the internal service funds, capital project funds,

1724
02:09:20,055 --> 02:09:23,865
uh, which is, uh, dramatically smaller as this is not a bond

1725
02:09:24,225 --> 02:09:28,035
year, uh, for construction projects, uh, debt service

1726
02:09:28,665 --> 02:09:32,455
fund and enterprise funds for a total of, uh,

1727
02:09:34,655 --> 02:09:38,595
almost 2.5, uh, billion for the fiscal

1728
02:09:38,985 --> 02:09:41,215
year 2027 proposed budget.

1729
02:09:44,775 --> 02:09:48,545
and so I want to, um, uh, close by highlighting what

1730
02:09:48,835 --> 02:09:52,635
the fy 27 proposed budget, um, does. The fy

1731
02:09:52,995 --> 02:09:56,555
27, uh, proposed budget, um, acknowledges

1732
02:09:57,495 --> 02:10:01,115
and addresses the, uh, conversations that we've been having over the last,

1733
02:10:01,655 --> 02:10:05,355
uh, three years. Um, that, um, we are in fiscally

1734
02:10:06,155 --> 02:10:10,015
challenging times. Uh, we have challenges, um, um, across

1735
02:10:10,435 --> 02:10:13,915
levels. Um, we, we have, uh, social challenges, uh, political

1736
02:10:14,675 --> 02:10:18,425
challenges and fiscal challenges. Um, we have, uh, done

1737
02:10:18,775 --> 02:10:22,775
our due diligence to go out into our communities, um,

1738
02:10:23,375 --> 02:10:26,265
to hear about what is most important,

1739
02:10:27,415 --> 02:10:31,125
um, understanding and recognizing that we can't do everything.

1740
02:10:32,385 --> 02:10:36,275
what is most important. And what we heard, um, loud

1741
02:10:36,565 --> 02:10:40,445
and clear was prioritizing recruitment and retention by honoring

1742
02:10:41,035 --> 02:10:44,945
year two and year three of the compensation package for

1743
02:10:45,265 --> 02:10:49,165
all members of team bcps was most important. And so

1744
02:10:49,325 --> 02:10:52,725
this proposed budget includes both things

1745
02:10:53,505 --> 02:10:56,845
in our budget, year two and year three, our balanced budget

1746
02:10:57,555 --> 02:11:01,205
also acknowledges and extends gratitude to our county

1747
02:11:01,755 --> 02:11:05,725
executive for while not having, uh, what is

1748
02:11:05,925 --> 02:11:09,645
going to be proposed in the governor's budget, still making a commitment to

1749
02:11:10,065 --> 02:11:14,045
the school system of funding us above maintenance of

1750
02:11:14,265 --> 02:11:17,735
effort of funding us 2% increase above

1751
02:11:18,465 --> 02:11:22,285
the, uh, funds that we received last year, which as I shared previously,

1752
02:11:23,035 --> 02:11:26,765
equates to 29.73 millions of dollars.

1753
02:11:27,945 --> 02:11:31,555
um, not receiving this funding, jeopardizing not receiving

1754
02:11:32,855 --> 02:11:36,455
above maintenance of effort, uh, would call for additional

1755
02:11:37,525 --> 02:11:40,825
reductions, um, in an already challenging, um,

1756
02:11:41,905 --> 02:11:45,875
budget season. I think what we wanna make sure that everyone understands,

1757
02:11:47,225 --> 02:11:51,065
um, is that we absolutely have a plan, um,

1758
02:11:51,505 --> 02:11:55,385
to address the priority that bcps has

1759
02:11:55,715 --> 02:11:58,985
laid before us. Um, we are, uh,

1760
02:12:00,035 --> 02:12:03,755
understanding that our students now more than ever,

1761
02:12:04,705 --> 02:12:08,675
uh, need us to focus on them and what it is that

1762
02:12:08,965 --> 02:12:12,925
they need in the classrooms. Um, when, uh, everyone

1763
02:12:13,235 --> 02:12:17,225
sees our budget book posted, uh, tomorrow, which it will be online

1764
02:12:18,045 --> 02:12:21,935
tomorrow, um, our cards are on the table. Our books are open. There

1765
02:12:22,285 --> 02:12:26,165
will be no questions about, um, how we are making

1766
02:12:26,445 --> 02:12:30,305
changes, what positions are being reduced. And so I think, uh,

1767
02:12:30,585 --> 02:12:34,585
one of the questions we heard earlier was whether or not, um, we

1768
02:12:34,805 --> 02:12:38,385
have started reassignments. We have not started reassignments, um,

1769
02:12:38,945 --> 02:12:41,645
as, uh, this is a proposed budget for fiscal year 2027,

1770
02:12:43,065 --> 02:12:46,745
as is my, um, uh, requirement, uh,

1771
02:12:47,185 --> 02:12:50,925
in this, uh, position for the board's review, deliberation, and final

1772
02:12:51,605 --> 02:12:55,565
decisions. Uh, but we also believe very strongly as we as

1773
02:12:55,775 --> 02:12:59,465
focus on climate and environment, um, and

1774
02:12:59,905 --> 02:13:03,785
safety, not only physical, but social emotional, um,

1775
02:13:04,675 --> 02:13:08,545
that also is true for our employees and team bcps. And

1776
02:13:08,765 --> 02:13:12,585
so while we post positions in a budget book, we

1777
02:13:12,915 --> 02:13:16,685
owed it to our staff members for them not to come to work tomorrow,

1778
02:13:17,465 --> 02:13:21,405
uh, to open a budget book and find out that their positions were

1779
02:13:21,965 --> 02:13:25,245
proposed for reductions. And so there were courtesy conversations

1780
02:13:26,385 --> 02:13:29,645
to let staff members know what, um, if something

1781
02:13:30,405 --> 02:13:33,795
impacted them, that it was indeed in the, uh, budget book,

1782
02:13:34,425 --> 02:13:37,105
uh, we remain in a freeze. Um,

1783
02:13:38,445 --> 02:13:42,245
I want to, um, uh, start to close with the same way that I closed yesterday.

1784
02:13:43,265 --> 02:13:47,105
uh, we exist to educate students, all students. We

1785
02:13:47,355 --> 02:13:50,665
acknowledge the tight fiscal times that we are in.

1786
02:13:51,585 --> 02:13:55,305
our responsibility at this time is to do everything that we

1787
02:13:55,845 --> 02:13:59,825
possibly can to remain focused on the needs of our

1788
02:14:00,325 --> 02:14:03,535
students. We have to spend the next few months delivering

1789
02:14:04,395 --> 02:14:07,685
high quality instruction and all of our classes

1790
02:14:08,585 --> 02:14:12,545
the very first time. Because our 108,000 students, no

1791
02:14:12,765 --> 02:14:15,205
longer are they 110,000, our 108,000

1792
02:14:16,845 --> 02:14:20,835
students are depending on each and every one of us. This

1793
02:14:21,125 --> 02:14:25,025
is the opportunity for baltimore county public schools as,

1794
02:14:25,985 --> 02:14:29,975
um, uh, judged by maryland state

1795
02:14:30,325 --> 02:14:33,895
department of education as compared to 23 all other

1796
02:14:34,645 --> 02:14:38,605
districts in this school, uh, in the state of maryland, as compared

1797
02:14:39,145 --> 02:14:42,525
to other school systems across the nation. This is our opportunity

1798
02:14:43,165 --> 02:14:46,855
to determine whether or not year three marks

1799
02:14:47,315 --> 02:14:51,265
continued forward progress for our students who are counting on them, or

1800
02:14:51,705 --> 02:14:55,475
are we going to regress because we are losing focus on what

1801
02:14:55,785 --> 02:14:59,285
is happening in the classroom, and we are not listening to

1802
02:14:59,945 --> 02:15:03,645
the messages that people have communicated. I fully acknowledge

1803
02:15:04,285 --> 02:15:08,145
that this is tough and this is difficult. Um, if we

1804
02:15:08,385 --> 02:15:12,065
had a choice, we would make different choices. But in tough fiscal

1805
02:15:13,175 --> 02:15:16,795
times, in tight realities, we need to present

1806
02:15:17,525 --> 02:15:21,365
a budget that addresses the information that we have

1807
02:15:22,205 --> 02:15:26,105
received. We have received loud and clear that compensation must be

1808
02:15:26,365 --> 02:15:30,125
a priority. We have received loud and clear from our largest

1809
02:15:30,675 --> 02:15:34,075
funding partner that the commitment that can be made

1810
02:15:34,745 --> 02:15:38,315
is 2% above last year. I believe

1811
02:15:39,315 --> 02:15:43,005
that part of my responsibility in representing team bcps

1812
02:15:44,145 --> 02:15:48,005
is to respect the message from our funding partners. And that

1813
02:15:48,285 --> 02:15:52,065
is what this proposal brings forward. I am

1814
02:15:52,515 --> 02:15:56,245
open for any and all additional funding sources.

1815
02:15:57,445 --> 02:16:01,195
I absolutely have a plan for ways that I would be restoring

1816
02:16:02,245 --> 02:16:06,225
positions, um, in the budget. If those funds come, uh, to

1817
02:16:06,525 --> 02:16:10,445
fruition, I will be right back in annapolis, the same place I

1818
02:16:10,585 --> 02:16:14,175
was last year, um, on countless visits, advocating

1819
02:16:14,845 --> 02:16:18,565
for our students who are counting on us. I invite any and all members

1820
02:16:19,105 --> 02:16:22,845
of team bcps, the public at large, uh, all of our

1821
02:16:23,285 --> 02:16:27,205
esteemed board members and et cetera. If you would love to join me in

1822
02:16:27,405 --> 02:16:31,085
baltimore county in moving to annapolis on behalf of our students,

1823
02:16:31,545 --> 02:16:35,125
please feel free, uh, to come and advocate on our students.

1824
02:16:35,625 --> 02:16:39,625
and so with that, we are here for the students. We are committed to

1825
02:16:40,015 --> 02:16:43,745
continuing our work throughout the rest of the year, and I look forward to

1826
02:16:44,065 --> 02:16:48,035
the open conversations around the fiscal realities

1827
02:16:48,745 --> 02:16:52,325
and the fy 2027 proposed budget. Thank you.

1828
02:16:54,415 --> 02:16:58,405
thank you. So thank you dr. Rogers, for that very detailed report. That was a lot of information

1829
02:16:58,985 --> 02:17:02,805
for us to digest. A lot of information for you to present. Um, you obviously

1830
02:17:03,275 --> 02:17:07,085
know this information 'cause I'm sitting next to you and didn't see any notes, but it was all,

1831
02:17:07,345 --> 02:17:11,245
it was all coming out. So, um, thank you for our public. There will be a

1832
02:17:11,365 --> 02:17:13,235
public hearing on tuesday, january 20th, 2026,

1833
02:17:16,425 --> 02:17:19,405
um, in person in this room. So sign up for speaker. Registration

1834
02:17:20,665 --> 02:17:24,605
was open this morning online, and it will close at 3:00 pm on monday,

1835
02:17:24,805 --> 02:17:28,635
january 19th, 2026. A waiting list will

1836
02:17:28,925 --> 02:17:32,815
also be available 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting in person. Again,

1837
02:17:33,165 --> 02:17:36,885
that's next tuesday, january 20th, our public hearing on the

1838
02:17:37,205 --> 02:17:40,945
proposed budget board members, that was a lot of information to digest, so please,

1839
02:17:42,145 --> 02:17:46,085
um, submit any questions that you may have on this proposed operating budget

1840
02:17:46,425 --> 02:17:49,865
to dr. Rogers by wednesday. Whoops.

1841
02:17:50,615 --> 02:17:54,045
we're, we're going to submit questions and come back. Not really about

1842
02:17:54,625 --> 02:17:58,525
the, it's not a budget question. Question about, okay, let me just, can I finish this

1843
02:17:58,725 --> 02:18:02,725
in the, okay. Um, right. Submit any questions you have

1844
02:18:02,845 --> 02:18:06,205
about the information provided. And again, the budget book will be online to dr. Rogers

1845
02:18:06,885 --> 02:18:10,485
by wednesday, january 21st, so that she can be prepared for discussion

1846
02:18:10,985 --> 02:18:14,765
at our january 27th work session on the budget. Okay, ms.

1847
02:18:15,395 --> 02:18:19,285
doki, it's more of a, um, in alignment with the calendar. We were

1848
02:18:19,565 --> 02:18:23,325
supposed to get the proposed budget book today. I was just wondering what the reason was for delaying

1849
02:18:23,725 --> 02:18:27,555
until tomorrow. So, um, what

1850
02:18:27,845 --> 02:18:31,485
we shared several months ago is that we are going to provide, uh, printed

1851
02:18:31,865 --> 02:18:35,745
copies of the online budget book for anyone who requested. I believe ms. Gor,

1852
02:18:36,585 --> 02:18:40,465
um, took a list of names or, or she

1853
02:18:40,685 --> 02:18:44,625
will take a list of names of anyone who wants a printed copy. Um,

1854
02:18:45,345 --> 02:18:47,965
and she'll share the process that she's using to get them to you.

1855
02:18:49,745 --> 02:18:52,795
why wait till tomorrow to post the online version then?

1856
02:18:53,905 --> 02:18:57,705
so that's what we have done annually, yes.

1857
02:18:58,005 --> 02:18:59,805
but according to the calendar, we're supposed to receive it today,

1858
02:19:02,855 --> 02:19:06,635
the budget calendar on our website, and

1859
02:19:06,895 --> 02:19:10,775
I don't, I didn't get an email about the, on, about a printed one. I don't know if

1860
02:19:10,975 --> 02:19:14,755
anybody else did. Yes, you received that, uh, several months ago. Um,

1861
02:19:15,215 --> 02:19:18,995
I believe in august, um, where we shared

1862
02:19:19,685 --> 02:19:23,375
that we would be printing them on the night of the budget meeting.

1863
02:19:24,155 --> 02:19:27,035
um, and this was to avoid any confusion

1864
02:19:28,255 --> 02:19:32,125
about the online book versus the hard copy book. Uh, because

1865
02:19:32,505 --> 02:19:36,435
the budget team works until the, uh, 24th hour,

1866
02:19:36,725 --> 02:19:40,545
making sure that they're reviewing all funding as they receive new and

1867
02:19:40,765 --> 02:19:44,725
updated information from state and other, um, uh, offices.

1868
02:19:45,795 --> 02:19:49,645
they make sure that those numbers are correct. And so that was provided,

1869
02:19:50,425 --> 02:19:54,345
uh, I believe late august, um, to all

1870
02:19:54,565 --> 02:19:58,325
board of education members that moving forward ms. Gor would be printing

1871
02:19:58,585 --> 02:20:02,185
online versions to ensure that there was, uh, no,

1872
02:20:03,145 --> 02:20:07,025
uh, difference between the hard copies and the online

1873
02:20:07,445 --> 02:20:11,325
version of the book as previously, I believe it was a two

1874
02:20:11,485 --> 02:20:15,405
week window in advance when those books were printed. Sorry, just one last follow

1875
02:20:15,665 --> 02:20:19,605
up. So is the, is it finished the books, is the budget

1876
02:20:19,805 --> 02:20:23,605
book finished? Like, is it ready to be posted? I'm just curious as to

1877
02:20:24,985 --> 02:20:28,785
why we're not getting even an online version. Why wouldn't, since we, we, we

1878
02:20:29,165 --> 02:20:32,905
switched, we're switching. We're not getting it for anyone unless we request one. Why we're not posting it

1879
02:20:33,545 --> 02:20:35,325
now online so we can start looking at it.

1880
02:20:37,815 --> 02:20:41,545
she will post it first thing in the morning. As far as the request for written,

1881
02:20:42,775 --> 02:20:46,715
um, written format. Can we still make that? I, I don't recall.

1882
02:20:46,955 --> 02:20:50,175
yes. Okay. Yes. Just lemme know if you, if you wanna print one,

1883
02:20:51,175 --> 02:20:54,955
please let her know. Asap so that she can get 'em to us.

1884
02:20:56,455 --> 02:21:00,405
go ahead. Do that now. Yeah. Before we leave. Yeah, of

1885
02:21:00,625 --> 02:21:03,825
course. She can send you an email. Whatever she feels is best,

1886
02:21:04,655 --> 02:21:08,625
however you'd like to tell it. You can email her right this minute and say, I want it. You can let her know before

1887
02:21:08,945 --> 02:21:12,905
you walk out. Um, go ahead. How will

1888
02:21:13,185 --> 02:21:17,185
we get it in time to submit questions? Can we

1889
02:21:17,225 --> 02:21:20,825
have it by this delivered as we do the hearing? Right? She will have 'em delivered to your home.

1890
02:21:22,065 --> 02:21:25,905
I think our questions are due. Well we can extend. Okay. Thank you.

1891
02:21:26,725 --> 02:21:30,705
the deadline for the questions from wednesday. I'll let you know when the

1892
02:21:30,945 --> 02:21:34,855
deadline for the questions is. Was that all the, there was hands up over

1893
02:21:35,015 --> 02:21:38,855
here too before. Did that answer all your questions? Mine was answered. I over, I must have overlooked

1894
02:21:39,135 --> 02:21:42,415
to august email. I don't remember seeing that email. So that answered my question. Thank you.

1895
02:21:46,815 --> 02:21:49,565
okay. Other questions? Lemme make sure online,

1896
02:21:52,865 --> 02:21:56,715
okay. I'm not

1897
02:21:56,915 --> 02:22:00,835
sure ms. Grover will either resend it or we don't even need the email

1898
02:22:01,255 --> 02:22:05,075
at, we just need you to tell her yes, I'd like a printed how many people would

1899
02:22:05,315 --> 02:22:06,475
like a printed copy of the book?

1900
02:22:11,265 --> 02:22:15,195
okay, we will assume it's okay. It's okay. We will

1901
02:22:15,415 --> 02:22:19,115
assume that, um, or you can find out from dr. Savoy and ms. Harvey

1902
02:22:19,695 --> 02:22:23,395
if they too would like it. And ms. Um, fong. Is that everybody?

1903
02:22:23,935 --> 02:22:26,685
yep. Okay. Whew, that was

1904
02:22:28,595 --> 02:22:32,285
miss pump free . Okay, let me go on to the next thing.

1905
02:22:35,095 --> 02:22:38,785
alright, the next item and the last item is board member comments

1906
02:22:39,205 --> 02:22:42,945
and any agenda setting items. So if you have a comment or an agenda setting item,

1907
02:22:43,285 --> 02:22:46,265
please raise your hand. You can always send me your items.

1908
02:22:47,525 --> 02:22:51,415
um, ms. Eski, thank you. This is, um, a second request

1909
02:22:52,205 --> 02:22:54,785
for a presentation on elementary science.

1910
02:22:58,445 --> 02:23:02,425
um, okay. Just an overview of elementary science. So we

1911
02:23:02,505 --> 02:23:05,725
had one of thought, right? And I know that there was a lot of, um,

1912
02:23:07,245 --> 02:23:11,175
follow up information that the public was asking for in terms of learning time

1913
02:23:11,965 --> 02:23:15,385
and how many minutes per day were spent with science

1914
02:23:16,005 --> 02:23:19,705
and how instruction was impacted if certain schools focused more on ela

1915
02:23:20,025 --> 02:23:24,015
and math, you mean currently how it's being delivered. So just

1916
02:23:24,335 --> 02:23:28,245
sort of a follow up presentation regarding okay. That impact.

1917
02:23:29,795 --> 02:23:33,585
thank you ms. Umen. Thank you. I have two agenda requests.

1918
02:23:34,365 --> 02:23:37,785
one is a deep dive presentation on the staffing benchmarking

1919
02:23:38,845 --> 02:23:42,595
report that we heard about tonight. Um, I'd like to request that board

1920
02:23:42,945 --> 02:23:46,625
members get copies or I heard dr. Rogers say that the report will be shared

1921
02:23:47,225 --> 02:23:51,205
publicly online. Um, if that could be made available at least two weeks prior, um,

1922
02:23:51,565 --> 02:23:55,565
to the presentation so that board members can submit questions in advance. And,

1923
02:23:56,165 --> 02:24:00,105
um, yes, so we can submit questions in advance

1924
02:24:00,305 --> 02:24:04,305
for that. My second, um, request is also data intensive, but I'd

1925
02:24:04,505 --> 02:24:08,505
like to request historic attrition, um, data that we can

1926
02:24:08,765 --> 02:24:12,685
and trend analysis information as well as the fiscal impact

1927
02:24:13,205 --> 02:24:17,135
on instructional salaries and the impact on fund

1928
02:24:17,425 --> 02:24:20,905
balance and the use of that fund balance as a result of that attrition

1929
02:24:21,965 --> 02:24:22,975
and how that's been reallocated.

1930
02:24:26,975 --> 02:24:30,825
okay. You know that? Yes. Or you can also send, um, did you get

1931
02:24:31,615 --> 02:24:35,275
that ms. Gover? I'm sorry? Did you get ms. Hen's

1932
02:24:35,625 --> 02:24:39,385
requests? Okay, thank you. I thought I saw another,

1933
02:24:39,725 --> 02:24:43,625
did I see any more hands? Ms. Humphrey? I, I mentioned this

1934
02:24:43,745 --> 02:24:47,415
already to the lgr committee, but I would like to, um, discuss

1935
02:24:47,905 --> 02:24:51,685
the possibility of the board supporting the superintendents, um, what she talked about on

1936
02:24:52,365 --> 02:24:56,165
the slide show this evening, the 24 school system request to the governor and,

1937
02:24:56,525 --> 02:25:00,205
um, uh, requesting that we, you know, we not switch

1938
02:25:00,625 --> 02:25:04,215
from the hold harm list to direct certification using snap in forms. Okay.

1939
02:25:04,965 --> 02:25:08,865
um, and that's the request for the legislative and governmental group to add that as

1940
02:25:08,985 --> 02:25:12,705
well. Well, I would like it to be a full board discussion, you know, full board request, but I believe

1941
02:25:13,005 --> 02:25:15,255
the process would be to run it through lgr first. Okay.

1942
02:25:18,235 --> 02:25:19,085
okay. Let me check teams.

1943
02:25:24,485 --> 02:25:28,355
okay, I don't see anyone's hands up. Ms. Hen. Um, to follow up

1944
02:25:28,575 --> 02:25:31,655
on ms. Humphrey's request, I'd like the, um, full board to discuss,

1945
02:25:32,595 --> 02:25:36,405
um, tab co's legislative priorities in, in full and that

1946
02:25:36,695 --> 02:25:40,135
may also need to, um, in be initiated in lgr,

1947
02:25:41,035 --> 02:25:43,335
but okay, for then it did come to the full board.

1948
02:25:50,775 --> 02:25:54,755
others. Okay, lemme get back

1949
02:25:54,975 --> 02:25:56,835
to board ducks.

1950
02:26:01,575 --> 02:26:05,355
the last item on the agenda's announcements. Another reminder that the board's public

1951
02:26:05,635 --> 02:26:09,475
hearing on the superintendent's proposed fy 2027 operating budget

1952
02:26:09,865 --> 02:26:13,795
will be in person on tuesday, january 20th, 2026, beginning

1953
02:26:14,195 --> 02:26:16,835
at six 30. Online. Signup opens january 13th, 2026.

1954
02:26:19,215 --> 02:26:21,865
the board's next meeting will be held on tuesday, january 27th

1955
02:26:23,775 --> 02:26:27,655
at 6:30 pm thank you everyone for joining us tonight and the meeting is

1956
02:26:27,875 --> 02:26:28,075
now adjourned.