Wicomico County Public Schools asks for $55 million; should the local government give them the money?
WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – At the Wicomico County budget public hearing, County Executive Julie Giordano looked at options for fiscal year 2026. Several departments, including the Sheriff’s Office, the Fire Department, and the Board of Education, need financing. The BOE is asking for an increase, but it’s not guaranteed they’ll receive the funding.
Residents claim educational funding is the most important for the county. Chris Baptiste, a UMES student, wants to stay local, but thinks extra funding can do good for the area.
“The biggest thing for me is being able to start a family, and having my children have the best possible education.”
The Board of Education claims that funding has been an issue for several years. “Maintenance of Effort plus the CPI amount, plus the 2% investment to continue to dig us out of that funding deficit that has been here for well over a decade in Wicomico County Public Schools,” – said Dr. Micah Stauffer.
County Executive Julie Giordano, thinks issues can arise from a lack of public safety funding. Fire departments, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Correctional System. She believes while education is important, there are other needs the county must meet. “There’s not a person in Wicomico County that doesn’t know that I support our Sheriff’s Office, our municipal police departments, and the State’s attorney.”
The Wicomico County Board of Education is asking for funding totaling around $55 million to fix issues within the public school system,
County data shows that 80.6% of funding comes from the state, whereas 19.4% from the local government. WCPS Superintendent Stauffer maintains local funding is very important.
“It goes towards things like school climate, and safety and those items that are not covered under the Blueprint for Maryland’s future or state funding that we receive.”
This funding dilemma has residents worried about settling down in the county. Chris Baptiste, a UMES grad student is looking to stay local post grad, but adds education is important.
“The biggest thing for me is being able to start a family and having my children have the best possible education.”
Neighboring county, Worcester is at the top of the list regarding local funding from local government. However, Baptiste still would rather stay in Wicomico. “If the education system improves by then, then it wouldn’t hurt to just stay in the county that I’m working in, instead of making that commute every single day.
He said properly funding education should be a top priority. “So honestly if the education system can improve within this area, then why not give it a shot.”
The $55 million dollars the board is asking for does not include the $3 million, the county pays for teacher pensions. If the public school district gets the full funding – it could affect other county departments.
