Howard County teachers rally over proposed 2026 budget cuts
Howard County teachers rallied Friday morning after the school board voted to advance a budget proposal that would cut 127 positions.
The move aims to close a funding gap in the county's 2026 budget.
The cuts would reduce $11.3 million in costs, while slashing funding to several educational programs throughout the county.
Corinne HappelI is a pediatrician, but most importantly, a mother who wants the school board to hear her voice.
"Teachers that are being cut are being cut from the elementary change GT program. That's 39 elementary school teachers and 12 orchestra teachers are being cut," Happel told WJZ.
She is one of dozens of parents and community members protesting against recent school budget cuts.
On Wednesday, the Howard County Board of Education voted 6-1 to advance a budget proposal to cut dozens of staff members.
The proposed budget has a 6.2% increase from FY 2025 to FY 2026, but also calls for nearly $11 million in cuts affecting more than 120 positions, including the gifted and talented program for elementary students.
"Those children in the gifted and talented programs are often accelerated learners that actually have more needs, and it is harder to teach them sometimes than it is children who are not in those accelerated programs," Happell explained.
What programs could be cut?
On Thursday, the county said the approved budget would cut some orchestra programs, eliminate 21 media paraeducator roles at the elementary level, and remove 12 high school secretary positions.
Additionally, the county would restructure the staffing model for health assistants and float nurses by eliminating unfilled positions.
To save $1 million, the board plans to reduce the employee benefit credit, which helps staff with out-of-pocket healthcare costs like prescriptions and copays.
The coalition said the cuts include 39 elementary GT teachers and 12 elementary orchestra teachers. In total, 51 teachers and more than 70 school-based staff members across Howard County would be cut, the coalition said.
Howard County Councilwoman Deb Jung explained that she proposed legislation to give additional funding, but the amendment failed to pass.
"And yet we can only get two votes for that amendment...two. Three of my council colleagues voted against that $4.2 million amendment," Jung explained. "Which is why there are so many students out here with their stringed instruments to show the importance of this program."
Howard County teachers oppose program cuts
The Howard County Education Coalition said the cuts will lead to increases in class sizes, particularly in fourth- and fifth-grade math classes.
"Whenever students get pulled out to attend orchestra and GT classes, core classes, including math and English Language Arts, shrink. Over 70 other school-based staff cuts include paraeducators and health aides that directly work with students," the coalition said in a statement. "As schools lose staff members, they will also lose access to adults that can help students as needs arise over the course of school days and that can cover for teachers in cases of unexpected absences or illnesses."
Education coalition proposes solutions
According to a data analysis released by the coalition, the amount of revenue that Howard County has spent on its public schools has decreased over time.
The coalition said that the county can use budget surpluses from investment income generated from Howard County's investment fund.
They suggest changing the way the projections are calculated in order to free up funds and avoid staffing cuts.
Although Wednesday's decision is not the final budget vote, school board members admit it was not an easy decision.
"I know this is so difficult and not a good solution for everyone is met. I really appreciate the time and energy everyone put into this," said Jolene Mosley, the chair of the Howard County Board of Education.
Advocates are asking for the County Executive and the Board of Education to work together to find a solution for everyone before the final operating budget is passed. will be held on Thursday, June 12.
