The Washington County Board of Education has adopted its Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund Budget, outlining key investments in student services, virtual learning, staff support, and infrastructure upgrades. While the budget includes expanded programs and additional positions across the district, its final form may be subject to revision depending on forthcoming decisions by the Washington County Board of County Commissioners regarding school funding allocations.
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Key highlights of the approved budget include the implementation of a targeted summer school initiative for elementary and middle school students, an expansion of the ConnectED virtual school program to serve grades 1 through 5, and increased school nursing coverage. The budget also adds student apprenticeship positions in reading and math, five new bus driver roles, and extends the Cascade Elementary School principal’s contract to a 12-month term. Further financial commitments include a boost in contributions to the Other Post-employment Benefits (OPEB) fund and a $10 daily increase for substitute teacher wages, with half-day rates rising by $5. Additionally, $8.67 million will be added to the staff salary enhancement resource pool.
The Board also enacted several policy and regulation changes. It adopted a new state-mandated Telehealth Policy (Policy JHCG) that will allow middle and high school students to participate in telehealth appointments on school premises during instructional hours. The Board also rescinded an outdated policy on signing authority and revised related policies to more clearly define the superintendent’s contractual and financial authority. Administrative Regulation DFAA-R was also updated to confirm that use of unassigned fund balances requires formal Board approval.
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To maintain operational stability and enhance instructional resources, the Board approved a series of contracts. These include services for nursing and special education through mid-2026, a core resource purchase of French language materials for secondary schools, and the procurement of new servers to replace outdated hardware posing cybersecurity risks. A contract was also approved to replace components of the electrical distribution system at Hancock Middle Senior High, which includes the installation of a new emergency generator.
Other Board actions involved accepting nearly $125,000 in donations. These included $9,704 from the Boonsboro Athletic Boosters for cheerleading gear and mats, $92,020 for Landon’s Project, and $23,281 from the Giant Feeding School Kids Program to supply food for students over the summer.
The Board also recognized student achievements, honoring 2025 Carson Scholars for their academic excellence and community service, and celebrating SkillsUSA State Champions from the Boyd J. Michael, III Technical High School in various competition categories.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Washington County Board of Education press release.
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