Schools
Prince George’s Schools Could Have More Budget Control
The proposed budget plan would give principals control of school budgets.
Principals at schools throughout Prince George’s County could soon be the administrators of multi-million dollar budgets if a by the Board of Education.
has proposed the changes as part of the FY 2012-2013 school system budget. Hite and school officials have been holding community forums in schools throughout the county to promote the plan appearing at last night.
The budget calls for as much as 50 percent of funding for individual schools to be allocated from the Central Office to principals at the county’s 180 schools. The budget also calls for $9 million for staff pay raises throughout the county.
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In all, the proposed budget is more than $1.6 billion and would take effect in the fall. It represents a $238,200 increase from last year’s budget. School officials said the changes represent an approach that would allow schools and communities to have greater control over budgets and resources to address the needs of students.
“This is really a formula that lays out priorities,” said Matthew Stanski, chief financial officer for county schools. “We have unique schools with unique situations.”
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Funds would be allocated to each school, excluding charter and alternative schools, based on student population and need. For example, a principal of a 500-student elementary school would be allocated about $1 million dollars to pay for staffing, programs, and supplies, according to Stanski. A principal at a county high school, for example, could be in control of a $3 million to $7 million budget.
Resource training for principals has been made available, Stanski said, and principals are encouraged to collect input from staff and community members.
The Board of Education will adopt the budget Feb. 23. Hite and school officials will continue presenting the budget to the community at:
Gwynn Park Middle School
Tuesday, Jan. 17
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
8000 Dyson Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
Cora L. Rice Elementary School
Wednesday, Jan. 25
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
950 Nalley Road
Landover, MD 20785
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