The Board of County Commissioners is the funding authority in St. Mary's County which provides a substantial portion of funding for the public school system.

A year ago, we emailed, rallied and spoke up to ensure that the Commissioners would step up and fund public education equitably though a modest income tax increase. And we were successful!

Now, they're back pedaling. The commissioners have proposed that the additional revenue that we worked so hard to see implemented last year will not, in fact, go to fund public education. They have chosen to flat-fund the school system while providing compensation increases for other public services.

Educators' pay and benefits are at risk. Student programs could be reduced in scale or shuttered. Transportation and smaller community based school are in jeopardy.

There are many unknowns right now. Federal funding is may not materialize, and the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Fuure is on uneven footing. We need to depend on our local elected officials to follow through on their word!

Add your voice to the conversation by sending an email to the right, and advocate for your school and community to get what we all deserve!