Washington County Board of Education Approves Virtual Learning Plan and FY2027 Budget Draft

The Washington County Board of Education (WCBOE) has greenlit a new plan allowing for virtual instruction days in the event of significant inclement weather, and has adopted a draft budget for the upcoming fiscal year. These decisions were among several key actions taken during the Board’s public business meeting on February 17, 2026, as detailed in a recent communication from Washington County Public Schools (WCPS). The virtual learning option will only be utilized after the district’s allotted six inclement weather days have been exhausted and is intended for prolonged weather events. To meet state requirements, virtual days must include at least four hours of synchronous instruction, with teachers having flexibility in structuring the remaining day in an age-appropriate manner. Community input on this proposal revealed a divided opinion, with some residents favoring the plan to prevent an extension of the school year, while others expressed concerns about internet accessibility and the potential impact on working families. The WCPS has utilized five of its built-in inclement weather days this current school year.

In financial matters, the Board unanimously approved the Superintendent’s proposed FY2027 General Fund Budget, marking it as the official draft for the upcoming fiscal year. This proposed budget has undergone review in two prior work sessions and will now proceed to the Budget Advocacy and Review Committee for further examination. A public hearing on the draft budget is scheduled for the WCBOE’s March 17, 2026, business meeting. The draft budget will now serve as the Board’s working document, with the possibility of proposed amendments as the budgetary process continues. The WCBOE, in conjunction with the Superintendent of Schools, is scheduled to present the FY2027 draft General Fund Budget to the Washington County Board of Commissioners on February 24. While no additional funding beyond state mandates is being requested from the County Commissioners, a formal presentation is required.

The Board also received an update on the current legislative session, where over 2,000 bills have been introduced, including more than 200 related to education. Of particular note are two bills that propose extending dual enrollment opportunities, which allow high school students to take college-level courses, to homeschool and private school students. One of these bills would incorporate these students into WCPS enrollment counts, potentially providing funding to offset associated costs. The other version, however, would require WCPS to cover tuition expenses without corresponding funding, creating a direct local financial burden. WCPS staff are actively working with legislators to advocate for amendments that would align these bills and ensure financial support. WCPS is also supporting legislation that would define the failure or refusal to provide required education as child neglect, with proposed amendments aimed at clarifying requirements and ensuring statewide consistency.

Other legislative measures being closely monitored by the Board include a bill that could alter the statewide process for filling Board of Education vacancies, potentially eliminating the local nominating commission. Bills concerning the Open Meetings Act are also under review, which could expand live-streaming requirements and extend video retention periods, though amendments are being discussed to address practical and privacy concerns. Several bills pertaining to school cell phone policies are also being examined. Additionally, a proposed seat belt requirement for school buses could represent an unfunded mandate, with an estimated cost of approximately $10,000 per new bus. Another bill under consideration would grant the State Superintendent the authority to declare a state of emergency for a school, with ongoing discussions to limit its application and require a local request for activation. This proposal has gained attention following the earlier closure of Williamsport High School due to asbestos abatement.

In a separate work session held on February 3, 2026, the Board received an update on the 2025 Kindergarten Readiness Assessment results. This assessment evaluates literacy, math, and social-emotional skills at the beginning of kindergarten. The data indicates that students who participated in WCPS pre-kindergarten programs consistently demonstrated significantly higher readiness levels compared to their peers. Specifically, 70% of WCPS pre-k attendees were fully ready in literacy, and 67.2% were fully ready in math. Overall, WCPS students entering kindergarten showed readiness beyond the state average, with 61.7% demonstrating full readiness in literacy (compared to 57% statewide) and 61.1% in math (compared to 55.3% statewide). Conversely, students who did not attend WCPS pre-k exhibited considerably lower readiness rates. WCPS highlighted that all of its elementary schools maintain Level 5 Maryland EXCELS ratings, and all pre-kindergarten programs are fully accredited, underscoring the district’s commitment to investing in high-quality instruction, community partnerships, and family engagement to promote student success.

The Board also approved the purchase of new middle school textbooks, with an estimated five-year cost of $427,052.69, which averages to approximately $16.74 per student. A teacher pilot and review process for these textbooks was successfully completed during the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. Additionally, the Board approved transfers within the FY2026 operating budget to address higher-than-anticipated costs associated with special education non-public placements, increased electricity expenses, and updates to student food service accounts. These increased expenditures are partially offset by savings realized from staff turnover and additional revenue generated from interest income.

Finally, the Board recognized the Boonsboro High School’s We the People team for winning the State Competition for the eleventh consecutive year. This team of students will now prepare to compete at the national level in April.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Public Schools

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