Wicomico County residents hope local government fully funds public school system

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – County Executive Julie Giordano invited county residents to a public hearing regarding the budget for fiscal year 2026. The hearing focused on the operating, capital, and governmental budgets for July 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2026. Giordano said events like these are why she became an elected official.

“When I ran for county executive, I had three main initiatives: public safety, education, and our economy.”

Wicomico County is developing the budget for the fiscal year 2026. Concerns exist, however, due to underfunding of the school system to offset state budget shortfalls. County Superintendent Dr. Micah Stauffer said the money they’ve received from local government has been underwhelming in recent years. “We’ve noticed a deficit, where we’re getting less money per pupil for 2025 than we received from the local government in 2010.”

At the public hearing, Executive Giordano presented data on where the money is going. According to the presentation, the county ranks 22nd out of Maryland’s 24 counties in local funding at 19.4%. Comparatively, neighboring Worcester County is at the top of the list, with 72.9% of local funding from the government. Dr. Stauffer explained why the Board of Education is asking for more money.

“As we know, everything is continuing to increase, and that goes for paying for utilities, fuel costs, and resources for teachers.”

The board is asking for Maintenance of Effort funding, inflation at 3%, and investment funding. That totals around $55 million. An increase of $4 million. This does not include the local funding for teacher pensions at $3 million. With the state deficit looming, the county has several departments to fund, but Giordano believes they will find a way forward.

“When we’re doing the budget, we will be thoughtful in what we’re doing, and figuring out the best course of action even with financial constraints.”