Baltimore County Residents Invited to Weigh In on School System's Proposed Operating Budget

Baltimore County Public Schools officials will host a public hearing Jan. 21 for its proposed fiscal year 2015 operating budget.

County residents are invited to give their input regarding the proposal at the meeting, set for 7 p.m. at West Towson Elementary School, 6914 N. Charles St.
 Residents wishing to speak at the hearing can sign up beginning at 6 p.m., according to a statement from school officials.

Each speaker will be allowed three minutes and all are welcome to bring a written copy of remarks. Comments, concerns and suggestions will also be accepted via email at board@bcps.org.

Schools superintendent S. Dallas Dance has submitted an operating budget requesting $1.38 billion, an increase of $72.4 million (5.5 percent) over the FY 2014 operating budget.

The budget proposal includes funding for 89.5 new positions to support anticipated enrollment growth, provide additional transportation for homeless and special education students and four additional school counselors, according to a statement from school system officials.

The school system also needs staffing for the new Mays Chapel Elementary School, scheduled to open in August.