Harford County Public School officials said Friday the county executive’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year is $15 million less than what the school system requested, setting up a funding fight heading into the county’s budget process.
What’s Happening: County Executive Bob Cassilly announced his recommended Fiscal Year 2027 budget on April 15, proposing a $370 million county contribution to Harford County Public Schools operations. That is an increase of $22 million or 6.5%, over the current year.
What’s Important: Harford County Public Schools said the proposed amount is not enough to cover required costs, fund the full wage package negotiated with employee unions, or meet state requirements under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a state law that sets education funding and staffing standards for Maryland school systems.
The Dispute: Cassilly said his budget fully funds instructional salary increases and the state-required $60,000 starting salary for new teachers. Harford County school officials disputed that claim, saying the budget must first cover required, non-discretionary costs, including special education non-public placements, which are legally required services for students placed in private settings. After those obligations are paid, district officials said, the remaining money is not enough to cover the full negotiated compensation package for all staff.
Harford County Public Schools also said Cassilly’s budget does not account for all employee groups. “Whether you drive a bus, keep our students safe, or ensure students have meals, all Harford County Public Schools staff support teaching and learning,” the school system said in a statement.
The Background: In January 2026, Harford County Public Schools proposed a $54 million increase to its fiscal year 2027 operating budget. The county’s proposed increase of $22.6 million is roughly $30 million less than that original request.
Harford County Public Schools also pointed to the 2023 budget cycle, when Cassilly used maintenance of effort legislation to reduce school funding. Maintenance of effort is a state law that sets a minimum funding floor for school systems but allows counties to apply for a reduction under certain conditions. The school system said the effects of that cut are still being felt today.
Cassilly’s budget announcement referenced an agreement made between himself and a former Harford County Public Schools superintendent. The school system said it is focused on current leadership and current student needs.
How This Affects Real People: Interim Superintendent Dr. Dyann Mack said the funding gap will force difficult tradeoffs affecting student services, staff, and the broader community. “We are being asked to do more for students in a rising-cost environment, with more complex needs, while maintaining high standards for teaching, learning, safety, and community partnership,” Mack said. “That requires funding that reflects today’s realities.”
What’s Still Unknown: Harford County Public Schools has not specified which programs, positions, or services would be reduced if the county’s proposed budget is approved as written.
The Path Forward: The Harford County Council must review and vote on the county executive’s proposed budget before the new fiscal year begins July 1.
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