Washington County Board of Education to Hold Public Hearing on Draft Budget

The Washington County Board of Education (WCBOE) has scheduled a public hearing to gather community feedback on its proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year. This hearing, which will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Center for Education Services in Hagerstown, will allow residents to voice their opinions on the draft budget before it is finalized.

The draft budget, totaling $384,670,162 in operating expenditures for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, was developed by Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Sovine. Its creation was guided by budget priorities adopted by the Board on September 16, 2025, which are in alignment with the four key pillars of WCPS’s strategic plan, “Your Journey, Our Commitment.” These priorities encompass Culture, Safety, and Wellness; Student Success; Access and Opportunity; and Community Engagement. The Board officially adopted the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget as its draft budget on February 17, 2026. The final adoption of the FY27 Approved Budget is slated for a public business meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Community members interested in providing comments during the public hearing are encouraged to register in advance through the Superintendent’s office or at the meeting itself, up to 30 minutes before the hearing begins. Those who do not pre-register will still have the opportunity to sign up at the speaker’s table. Individuals speaking on their own behalf will be allocated three minutes to present their remarks, while representatives of organizations will have five minutes. Time from one speaker cannot be transferred to another.

Residents can register to speak by emailing publicfeedback@wcps.k12.md.us, including their name and specifying their intention to speak during the budget hearing. Alternatively, individuals can call 301-766-2971, leaving a message with their name and contact information if needed, and indicating their desire to participate in the budget hearing.

For those who wish to share their feedback but are unable to attend the hearing, the WCBOE encourages written correspondence. Comments can be sent via email to boe@wcps.k12.md.us, and these will be distributed to all Board members. Written submissions can also be mailed to the Washington County Board of Education at 10435 Downsville Pike, Hagerstown, MD 21740. The public business meeting and public hearing will be accessible to the public through a live stream on the WCPS Facebook page and YouTube channel, as well as broadcast live on channel 99 for Antietam Broadband subscribers.

This public hearing offers an opportunity for Washington County residents to directly influence the allocation of funds for their local school system. Community input on the proposed expenditures is vital in ensuring the budget aligns with the educational needs and strategic goals of Washington County Public Schools.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Board of Education

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