AACPS' $1.4B Budget Inches Toward Approval: Here's What's Left

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — School officials are looking for feedback on the suggested operating budget for the next fiscal year. They will host two virtual hearings this week to gauge Anne Arundel County's thoughts on the proposed $1.37 billion operating budget and $234.5 million capital budget.

Budget Hearings

Both sessions are at 6:30 p.m. The first is Tuesday, and the second is Thursday.

The school board will hear up to 100 speakers each day, but constituents may only testify at one event. Comments are capped at two minutes.

The Tuesday signup is posted here. The Thursday list is available at this link.

Superintendent George Arlotto will explain his budget recommendation at a virtual workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. The Anne Arundel County Board of Education will vote on the budget at its all-day Feb. 17 meeting.

Officials will not hear testimony at these events unless the board amends the budget. If members make any changes, residents may offer their thoughts on the updates.

Each proceeding will be streamed via Comcast and Broadstripe on Channel 96, Verizon on Channel 36 and the internet on Anne Arundel County Public Schools' YouTube channel.

What's In The Budget

The budget covers fiscal year 2022, which runs from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. At his budget address on Dec. 16, 2020 Arlotto requested an increase in the school system's current funding.

His proposal includes an additional $52.3 million. The extra money would bring 225 new employees to Anne Arundel County Public Schools. About 97 percent of these workers would interact with students daily, and 91 percent would work in the classroom.

"We are placing every additional position in this recommendation where it will impact children," Arlotto said.

To catch up on the specifics of the budget, read Patch's most recent update.

Next Steps For The Budget

After the board's Feb. 17 vote, school officials must send their finalized request to County Executive Steuart Pittman by March 1.

Pittman will then recommend his version of the budget to the county council by May 1. The council will vote on the final draft on June 16.

Check this webpage, for more information on the timeline.

Patch Field Editor Kristin Danley-Greiner contributed reporting to this article.

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RELATED:

• $1.37B FY22 Operating Budget Unveiled By AACPS Superintendent
• Arlotto's Budget Recommendation, Anne Arundel County
• AACPS Delays Hybrid Classes; Anne Arundel Coronavirus Cases Surge
• Teachers Protest Hybrid Classes, Threaten To Work Fewer Hours
• AACPS Adopts Hybrid Model, Eligible Students Can Opt In

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