Alternative Schools' Redesign Included In $2.6B Budget Request From Education Board

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The Prince George’s County Board of Education has approved a $2.6 billion budget request for fiscal year 2023, focusing on investments in educational and operational improvements for Prince George’s County Public Schools.

PGCPS Chief Executive Officer Monica Goldson’s revised spending plan includes a $7.2 million decrease for both revenues and expenditures due to lower than projected state unrestricted revenue. The budget proposal reflects board of education priorities, supports the Transformation 2026 strategic plan and addresses strategies for closing funding shortfalls based on the nearly 9,000-student enrollment gap.

Budget priorities for the 2022-2023 school year include:

• Mitigate the impact of interruption in student instruction
• Maintain one-to-one student technology
• Increase substitute teacher pay rates
• Provide student mental health supports and resources
• Increase funding and staffing for school maintenance

The budget also includes the redesign of five alternative schools — Annapolis Road, Green Valley, Croom, Tall Oaks and Community Based Classroom. The redesign does not eliminate services to students, but increases services and expands the programs to include sixth through eighth grade students.