Howard County Public Schools is considering significant adjustments to its budget to enhance student support services, as discussed in a recent Board of Education work session. The meeting focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets, alongside the long-range master plan for 2026-2035.

A key proposal emerged from board member Ms. McCoy, who advocated for an increase in funding by $1 million from the health fund balance and $2 million from the general fund balance. This funding would help retain 21 elementary school media paraeducators and 13 media specialists, rather than converting these positions to paraeducators. Ms. McCoy emphasized the importance of these roles in supporting both students and teachers, particularly in schools facing urgent needs.

The board reviewed various funding scenarios, with Scenario 7 highlighting the potential to maintain critical positions, including social workers and educational coaches. However, Ms. McCoy expressed concern over the absence of security personnel, now referred to as student engagement liaisons, in the current budget discussions. She urged the board to consider adding at least two of these positions to foster better relationships with students and address their diverse needs.

The financial team presented a cautious approach, indicating that while there is room for adjustments, the board must carefully weigh the implications of drawing from fund balances. The discussions underscored the board's commitment to enhancing student support services while navigating financial constraints.

As the board continues to refine its budget proposals, the focus remains on ensuring that Howard County schools can adequately support their students and staff in the upcoming fiscal years. The next steps will involve further analysis of the proposed funding scenarios and their potential impact on school operations.