PGCPS FY23 Budget Analyzed By Association, Draws Concern

Bowie MD

29 April, 2022

4:28 PM

Description

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — During a virtual forum held this week, the Prince George's County Educators' Association analyzed the Prince George's County Public Schools fiscal year 2023 budget live on Facebook. Association members expressed concern that the county could be doing more to support schools, considering the proposed budget included a 5 percent decrease from fiscal year 2022. "When we have classroom vacancies out of control and we're continuing to increase spending on administration, are we really spending our money the way the people of Prince George's County want it to be spent?" PGCEA President Donna Christy asked during the meeting. The association also highlighted that PGCPS has spent 100 percent of its budgeted funds only since fiscal year 2006 and that Montgomery and Anne Arundel county contributions are nearly double the Prince George's County budget contributions (32 percent compared to almost 60 percent). "This isn't just a jobs issue; it's an issue of how much attention students are getting and how many resources special educators have to go above and beyond to make a plan for each student and help to implement that plan. So that's another question, why has the actual staffing been so flat as spending has increased?" budget analyst Chris Schwartz asked.