The Board of Education approved the FY2027 General Fund Operating Budget in a business meeting on May 5, 2026. The discussion largely involved potential changes in the budget to help increase funding for Washington County Public Schools’ (WCPS) staff salaries. Before the meeting, the budget had funding to provide a 1% salary increase to all staff members.

Board members considered several options, including reducing funding for technology purchases, bus replacements, and other programs to add more money to the salary resource pool. Members also discussed the importance of balancing employee compensation with the school system’s long-term financial stability.

The Board ultimately approved an amendment that reduced funding for computer purchases by $330,000 (bringing the total reduction for computer purchases to $730,000 during these budget discussions). The Board also cut two special education case manager positions that were to be added in FY27. These adjustments add over half a million dollars to the salary resource pool.

The budget was approved with a 5-2 vote. Salary increases for WCPS staff are currently being negotiated among all employee groups.

The Board of Education approved the first read of changes to Policy JICJ – Use of Personally-Owned Electronic Devices. The changes are based on new requirements passed in the Maryland legislature this year under the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act.

The State law requires all Maryland school systems to follow a policy that does not allow students to use cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day – from the first bell to the last bell. It also requires the devices to be stored away (with limited exceptions). In addition, the policy must also address limiting student use of social media during the school day.

The Board is seeking feedback from students, families, staff, and community members regarding the proposed changes to the policy about students using cell phones and social media in schools. The survey will be open through Friday, May 29, 2026. For more information on the proposed policy changes, visit: https://app.smore.com/n/50j71.

The Board of Education approved a series of attendance zone changes that will take effect during the 2027-2028 school year in conjunction with the opening of the new “Downsville Pike” Elementary School.

The approved changes impact several elementary schools across the county and are intended to help balance student enrollment and address overcrowding in some schools. The recommendations to adjust the elementary school attendance zones were initially made by the Facilities Enrollment and Advisory Committee, which studied the potential changes over several months with support from WCPS staff. The committee’s final recommendations were supported by the Superintendent of Schools, who also made two (2) additional recommendations, including one (1) for a middle and high school attendance zone change in an area of the county that has not yet been developed.

The WCBOE held two public hearings about the proposed changes on May 13 and 14 with only one individual sharing feedback in person with the Board. Fewer than 10 individuals shared comments with the WCBOE by email or other communication.

Next month, the Board will review suggestions for the official name of the new elementary school as “Downsville Pike” Elementary is simply a working name.

Approved renewal of GoGuardian classroom management and instructional support tools for the 2026–2027 school year, providing teachers with tools to help keep students engaged, monitor progress, and support instruction in elementary classrooms.
Approved a roof replacement project at Old Forge Elementary School, including new roofing and ceiling insulation improvements, with work scheduled for Summer 2026 before students and staff return for the new school year.
Approved a new Employee Assistance Program agreement that will continue providing WCPS employees and their household members with free and confidential counseling, work/life resources, and support services.