Last year, Montgomery County allocated more than $3 billion to its public school system, nearly half of its total budget. Addressing school funding challenges by increasing transparency in the budget process as we prepare for further implementation of Maryland's Blueprint for the Future, a state law that expands equitable learning opportunities. It has become even more important to address it.
School districts are required by the state to allocate funds within 14 categories, including “administration'' and “student transportation.'' These oversimplified groupings make it very difficult to identify true budgetary needs and even more difficult to provide the necessary oversight. Residents deserve a closer look at how their tax dollars are being spent, and policymakers need the same information to determine future investment levels.
I urge members of the Maryland General Assembly to approve statewide reforms to the school budget process that allow for more detailed itemization, more information, and more transparency. How we spend our tax dollars matters. Parents, educators, and elected officials can reduce classroom sizes, hire more educators, offer competitive wages, and help students reach their full potential. I am thinking of doing so. These are common priorities, but they cannot be achieved without greater transparency, oversight and accountability.
evan glass, silver spring
The author is a Democrat and an at-large member of the Montgomery County Legislature.
