Board of Education President Melissa Ellis and Superintendent George Arlotto released the following statements today regarding the Fiscal Year 2022 budget proposal presented to the County Council by County Executive Steuart Pittman:
MRS. ELLIS
“Considering the many challenges faced by our county in the past year, it is a relief that the County Executive has proposed a budget that recognizes the many compelling needs of our school system without the need to increase taxes on the hard-working residents of Anne Arundel County. I am particularly grateful that this budget makes significant strides toward addressing the compensation issues that our employees have faced as a result of previous lean budgetary years, and that the County Executive and his team have provided additional positions, among others, to help address the social-emotional health of all students and the needs of our students requiring special education and English Language Learners. It is also encouraging that the important capital projects addressing our aging schools and population growth will move forward based on the County Executive’s budget. I am hopeful the County Council will agree to support the priorities in funding for our students.”
DR. ARLOTTO
“COVID-19 has muddied the county’s financial picture for more than a year and left everyone in a place where very difficult budgetary decisions had to be made. I am appreciative that the County Executive’s budget exceeds Maintenance of Effort by a significant amount, and we will continue to partner with the Administration and the County Council as we advocate for students and employees across our county.”