Understanding the FY24 Budget: A Comprehensive Overview for Baltimore County

Capital Funds Overview

The FY24 budget reflects significant financial allocations that impact our schools. Here’s a breakdown of the capital funds:

Adopted Budget

• Maryland (State) Expenditures: $46,055,000

• Baltimore (County) Expenditures: $203,919,000

  
  

Actual Budget

• Maryland (State) Expenditures: $71,477,000

• Baltimore (County) Expenditures: $214,941,000

  
  

These figures highlight a notable increase in both state and county expenditures, indicating a commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure.

School-Based Budget Insights

The school-based budget is crucial for understanding staffing and operational costs. Here’s what the FY24 budget looks like:

Adopted Budget

• Professional Staff Positions: 9,032.3

• Support Staff Positions: 1,433.4

• Total Staff Positions: 10,465.7

• Salaries & Wages: $888,243,897

• Contracted Services: $978,683

• Supplies & Materials: $12,790,820

• Other Charges: $161,356

• Equipment: $48,912

  
  

Actual Budget

• Professional Staff Positions: 9,032.3

• Support Staff Positions: 1,433.4

• Total Staff Positions: 10,465.7

• Salaries & Wages: $840,358,566

• Contracted Services: $2,780,110

• Supplies & Materials: $14,135,086

• Other Charges: $292,831,044

• Equipment: $59,672

  
  

The actual budget shows a shift in spending priorities, particularly in contracted services and supplies. This adjustment reflects our ongoing commitment to providing quality education.

Watershed Charter School Budget Breakdown

The Watershed Charter School plays a vital role in our educational landscape. Here’s a closer look at its budget:

Adopted Budget

• Professional Staff Positions: 26.5

• Support Staff Positions: 3.0

• Total Staff Positions: 29.5

• Salaries & Wages: $2,284,146

• Contracted Services: $636,714

• Supplies & Materials: $329,101

• Other Charges: $605,223

  
  

Actual Budget

• Professional Staff Positions: 26.5

• Support Staff Positions: 3.0

• Total Staff Positions: 29.5

• Salaries & Wages: $2,053,976

• Contracted Services: $525,382

• Supplies & Materials: $51,110

• Other Charges: $651,221

• Contingency: $552,903

  
  

The budget for the Watershed Charter School shows a decrease in salaries and wages, but an increase in contingency funds. This strategic allocation helps ensure stability in challenging times.

School Allocations: Funding Distribution

Understanding how funds are allocated across different school levels is essential. Here’s the breakdown:

Adopted Budget

• Elementary Baseline: $3,918,653

• Special Baseline: $137,996

• Middle Baseline: $1,949,474

• High Baseline: $3,386,373

• Alternative Baseline: $376,208

• Holdback Baseline: $1,365,997

• Other Baseline: $2,274,321

• Subtotal Baseline: $13,409,022

• Magnet: $427,245

• New School Start-up: $3,411,500

• Extended Day & Extended Year Learning: $105,770

• Transition Grant: $300,000

  
  

Actual Budget

• Elementary School Baseline: $8,230,901

• Special School Baseline: $174,367

• Middle School Baseline: $4,648,933

• High School Baseline: $6,844,108

• Alternative School Baseline: $400,366

  
  

The actual budget reflects a significant increase in funding for elementary and middle schools, which is crucial for early education and support.

Enterprise/Proprietary Fund Overview

The Enterprise/Proprietary Fund is essential for operational services. Here’s how it looks:

Adopted Budget

• Food & Nutrition Services: $58,479,779

  
  

Actual Budget

• Food & Nutrition Services: [Actual figures not provided]

  
  

This fund is vital for ensuring that our students have access to nutritious meals, which is a cornerstone of their overall well-being.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Education

The FY24 budget demonstrates a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes in Baltimore County. With increased funding across various sectors, we are poised to make significant strides in transparency, fiscal responsibility, and student success.

As I advocate for our students through Maggie 4 Students, I am dedicated to ensuring that every dollar spent is a step toward a brighter future for our children. Together, we can drive positive change in our educational system.

Let’s continue to work together to support our schools and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.