By Adam Pagnucco.
The Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) has released a statement praising County Executive Marc Elrich’s recommended FY26 operating budget. The Board of Education had requested a $333 million (10%) increase for MCPS and Elrich recommended a $299 million increase, or 99.1% of the board’s budget. That’s not unusual for MCPS.
MCEA may not have a problem with Elrich, but that doesn’t mean they won’t ask the county council for the remaining $34 million separating the board’s request from Elrich’s recommendation. It’s still going to be an active budget season. MCEA’s statement appears below.
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Friday, March 14, 2024
Contact: Kate Hardwicke, mceapress@mceanea.org
For Immediate Release
MCEA Reacts to County Executive Elrich’s Proposed County Budget
Rockville, MD – The Montgomery County Education Association applauds County Executive Marc Elrich’s commitment to fund Superintendent Taylor’s proposed operating budget. “What this budget does is recognize the real needs that students and families have in our school district, while remaining cognizant of the fiscal challenges that we continue to face” said MCEA President David Stein. “MCEA understands the uncertainties at the state and federal levels, but above all, we appreciate the steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators.”
Educators have deep relationships with families and communities in which they work and are acutely aware of rising costs of groceries and other household items. “Our members face the same affordability crisis that thousands of Montgomery County residents face. We know what unaffordability looks like, what it feels like,” remarked MCEA Vice President Danillya Wilson. “We applaud the County Executive for addressing the affordability crisis through progressive tax credits that would offset any proposed property tax increases for working class families.”
“This is the solutions-oriented policymaking we expect from leaders in Montgomery County,” said President Stein. “This past year, we have seen unprecedented consensus amongst MCPS stakeholders on the need to address our special education crisis, enhance school security, and make sure that all students have excellent educators in their classrooms. It’s now time for the County Council to step up and get this budget funded.”