BCPS Invites Community To Discuss Budgetary Challenges And Solutions

BALTIMORE COUNTY - Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbough) has announced a series of five "Community Conversations" this October and November, inviting community input on the BCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Operating Budget.

This year's budgetary process may be especially important - in an interview with WYPR, Superintendent Rogers expressed concerns over the impending end of funding from the federal ESSER initiative, describing it as a "fiscal cliff" for the school district.

Introduced as part of the American Rescue Plan Act on March 11, 2021, the ARP Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund, amounting to $122 billion, was designed to address the pandemic's impacts on schools and students across the country. The initiative is set to conclude in September 2024, severely impacting BCPS's budget.

"Extra scrutiny will be given to all budget submissions to help identify potential savings that can be redirected," Superintendent Rogers assured.

Community Conversations Schedule:

• October 12, 6-7 p.m. at Sparrows Point High School's cafeteria, 7400 North Point Rd, Sparrows Point 21219
• October 17, 6-7 p.m. at Pikesville High School's cafeteria, 7621 Labyrinth Rd, Pikesville 21208 (Livestream available on YouTube)
• October 25, 6-7 p.m. at Loch Raven High School's cafeteria, 1212 Cowpens Ave., Towson 21286
• November 9, 6-7 p.m. at Parkville High School's cafeteria, 2600 Putty Hill Ave., Baltimore 21234
• November 14, 6-7 p.m. at Western School of Technology and Environmental Science's cafeteria, 100 W. Kenwood Ave., Catonsville 21228

BCPS is also launching the FY 25 Budget Priorities Stakeholder Survey, encouraging input from staff, parents, students, and the broader community.