President Donna Christy, Budget Analyst Chris Schwartz present analysis to community during live forum

Prince George’s County, MD: In a virtual forum on Tuesday evening, the Prince George’s County Educators’ Association (PGCEA) analyzed the PGCPS FY2023 budget live on Facebook.

Noting that the FY2023 proposed budget included a 5% decrease from FY2022, PGCEA explored if there was more that the County could be doing to support our schools.

“When we have classroom vacancies out of control, and we’re continuing to increase spending on administration, are we really spending our money the way the people of Prince George’s County want it to be spent?” asked PGCEA President Donna Christy. 

The panelists covered an array of topics surrounding the school budget, from special education funding, to adjustments for inflation, to County spending comparisons with neighboring counties.

Perhaps most notable was the fact that PGCPS has spent 100% of its budgeted funds only twice since FY2006, and that Montgomery and Anne Arundel County contributions nearly double PG County budget contributions (32% compared to nearly 60%).

“This isn’t just a jobs issue; it’s an issue of how much attention students are getting, and how many resources special educators have to go above and beyond to make a plan for each student and help to implement that plan. So that’s another question, why has the actual staffing been so flat as spending has increased?” asked Budget Analyst Chris Schwartz.

As PGCEA advocates for additional, equitable resources within Prince George’s County Public Schools, community members are encouraged to review the union’s goals. Community members are also encouraged to pledge support for PGCEA’s bargaining for the common good by signing an ActionNetwork petition.