Thank You for Joining the Superintendent’s FY 2027 Operating Budget Listening Sessions

Thank you to the many families and staff who attended the Superintendent’s FY 2027 Budget Listening Sessions this week. Across three sessions—Springbrook High School, a virtual event, and Northwest High Sschool—participants shared thoughtful feedback on what students, staff and schools need most in the operating budget for the next school year.

Attendees raised questions about access to accelerated programs, classroom resources, special education supports, training for staff, navigating layers of assistance and how MCPS plans to manage declining enrollment. Superintendent Thomas Taylor emphasized several priorities: expanding access through better resource alignment, improving supports for schools through the equity add-on, planning proactively for staff training, and realigning staffing to be school-focused to meet current student needs as enrollment shifts. A continuation of investments began this school year.

Common themes from attendees during the sessions included:

• Simpler, more consistent digital tools.
• Stronger behavior supports and special education services.
• Greater access to programs and more flexible learning options.
• Direct classroom resources and paraeducator support.
• Greater equity and consistency across programs and regions.

Dr. Taylor will present his FY 2027 Recommended Operating Budget on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m., livestreamed on the MCPS website and MCPS TV on cable (Comcast 34, Verizon 36 and RCN 88).

You can review session notes, watch recordings, or leave additional feedback on the MCPS Operating Budget webpage.