Superintendent of Schools Discusses Prince George's County Budget Cuts

Hollywood Elementary School is at 140 percent capacity, the former Friends School on Calvert Road remains closed, and the Prince George’s County School Department is facing budget cuts stemming from declining revenue that could make problems worse.

William Hite Jr., superintendent of schools for Prince George’s County, was on hand at Tuesday’s worksession of the College Park City Council to discuss local problems and his budget proposal, expected to be released Thursday.

The state budget restored some of the original cuts made to the budget in February, but certain programs will still see less money.

“It’s very difficult to talk about maintaining progress in spite of significant revenue shortfalls,” Hite said. “I’ve had three budgets that I’ve proposed. Every budget, I’ve had to cut in excess of $100 million.”

The School Department cut into 47 programs including pre-K classes, reducing them to half-day.

In addition to the cuts, Councilwoman Christine Nagle (Dist. 1) said there are still basic problems in the schools.

“My biggest concern is overcrowding,” she said.

But not all the news was bad.

Prince George’s County schools received $17 million from the County Executive, $16 million from state legislators, $9 million for construction and $4.5 million from the County Council, in addition to its regular funding. 

Maryland also won Race to the Top, a federal program that rewards schools based on accountability and innovation.  The funds from Race to the Top will be used for construction of new evaluation systems and provide money to hire teachers like those involved in the Teach for America program in underserved areas.

Although the additional money did not come close to offsetting all the cuts, it allowed certain programs to continue, Hite said.

Hite did work to recommend some of the new money to be used in areas councilmembers were concerned about.

“He was able to get additional funding for busing for special programs,” Councilman Mark Cook (Dist. 3) said.

Transportation was one of the major cuts in Hite’s original plan, but after the county provided money, his proposal will maintain last year’s transportation funding for this fiscal year while the county studies sustainable future options. 

In addition, a program to teach students Mandarin at one Prince George’s County School will continue.

One reason for the decrease in money is a declining student body. Prince George’s County schools receive money based on the number of enrolled students. As the county’s enrollment (and its money) has decreased over the past several years, it has not cut the budget in proportion with the money lost, Hite said.

This year’s cuts should put Prince George’s County in a stronger position for the future, reducing cuts in upcoming years, Hite said.

In response to concerns that the schools were not focusing on a growing Hispanic population, Hite said speaking two languages is a high priority for new hires; two bilingual principals were hired in the last year and four more such hires are anticipated for 2012, he said. 

Even so, teaching students Spanish must remain an emphasis in the school system, Cook said.