Class sizes will not increase, employees of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will not be furloughed, and the most vulnerable children will receive needed support, following Governor Martin O’Malley’s announcement on Friday that $720 million in federal stimulus funds for public education are coming to Maryland.

Governor O’Malley also announced he will use the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act package to fund the Geographic Cost of Education Index (GCEI) at 100 percent for the first time in FY2010 and FY2011. GCEI is a formula that provides additional funding to school districts where the cost of education is greater. 

"Leadership is about getting things done for the people we serve. President Obama has delivered an extraordinary opportunity to maintain effective programs, and build upon the tremendous gains made by Prince George’s County public school students,” said Board Chair Verjeana M. Jacobs, Esq. “The Board of Education thanks our students, parents and community for advocating for the needs of our schools. We also applaud Governor O’Malley for listening, working with us, and acting quickly to protect the incredible progress made by our schools.”

PGCPS will have approximately $40 million in state aid restored for Fiscal Year 2010. As a result, class sizes in grades 1-3 will remain the same and not increase as originally proposed as a cost-cutting measure. Employee furloughs are no longer needed. President Obama's Economic Recovery and Revitalization Plan provides $12 million in Title I funds to support PGCPS students living in conditions of poverty during this school year and next school year (FY 2009 and FY 2010).

Stimulus funding in the amount of $10.2 million restores support for children with special needs that require nonpublic placements. Federal funding also helps meet the needs of a growing population of students with autism.

“The Governor, the Prince George’s Delegation, our federal representatives, and President Obama have been working in tandem to maintain the momentum of student achievement in Prince George’s County public schools,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. William R. Hite, Jr. “The Board of Education and I will take full advantage of these investments to continue the work of preparing all students to graduate ready for success in college and the workplace.”

Investments in PGCPS and its students have paid tremendous dividends. PGCPS students have improved on the Maryland School Assessments for five years in a row, including 2008 when scores rose in every subject tested, in every grade, and in every subgroup. PGCPS met all mandates for adequate yearly progress (AYP) for the first time and would exit Corrective Action by meeting AYP again this spring.