The Prince George’s County Board of Education unanimously approved on Thursday a $1.66 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2013.

The spending plan reflects stability and innovation amid challenging economic realities. The budget includes continued investments in innovative academic programs, additional supports for student needs and funds for employee compensation increases.

"We appreciate the support that we have received from our state leaders, County Executive and County Council throughout the budget process," said Verjeana M. Jacobs, Esq., Board Chair. "This budget is in line with our priorities and allows to make improvements on several fronts."

"Knowing this budget season would be challenging, though less so than previous years, our team embraced priorities around funding student needs, encouraging innovation, maintaining fiscal stability and supporting employees," said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent of Schools. "Despite our enrollment challenges and rising costs, this budget will keep us on solid footing for the upcoming school year."  

The Board of Education original budget request was approximately $1.65 billion, a 2 percent increase – approximately $33 million – more than the FY 2012 budget. The revised spending plan is about 3 percent higher than the FY 2012 budget. The spending plan will not require reserve funds to balance it. In addition to funds for employee pay raises, the budget continues to support investments in the Middle College High School program, Talented and Gifted offerings, Secondary School Reform initiatives and the expansion of grades in current charter schools. The new Student Based Budgeting system provided schools with more direct control over their budgets in an effort to limit classroom reductions. PGCPS also offered a retirement incentive program to mitigate the need for position cuts.

The new budget takes effect July 1.