Dollars & Decisions: Navigating the FY2028 Budget Together
Week of November 2 Newsletter
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FY 2028 Operating Budget Process
The Budget Development Process & Timeline
Each year, Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) works through a careful and transparent process to plan how our school system will be funded for the year ahead. Maryland law requires the Superintendent to estimate how much money will be needed to support our students, schools, and staff in the coming fiscal year.
In the fall, the Superintendent and Cabinet meet to set priorities based on what they hear from families, staff, and the community — through town halls, school visits, forums, and public comments at Board of Education meetings. Using this input, the Superintendent prepares a balanced budget and presents it to the Board of Education in December.
The Board then invites the community to share feedback during public hearings in January and February before finalizing and adopting its Requested Budget, which is sent to the County Executive by March 1. The County Executive reviews all county funding needs, holds additional public hearings, and sends the proposed County budget to the County Council by March 15. The Council approves the final budget by June 1, and the Board adjusts the school system's plan to fit within the approved funding by June 30.
Dollars & Decisions: FY28 Budget Development
Despite a projected $75 million to $100 million shortfall in FY2028, PGCPS remains committed to its public promise: improving reading and math, strengthening transportation and enhancing customer service. We invite our staff, families and community members to help shape our budget by sharing their voices and perspectives as we navigate difficult financial decisions together.
📅FY28 Budget Development Key Dates
- Now through December: Review costs and revenue assumptions, develop potential savings options, assess impacts and gather community input.
- November 1: Deadline to complete the Board of Education’s FY2028 Budget Priorities Survey.
- November 6 - Staff Budget Meeting with Union Leads
- November 11 - Student PGRASG Budget/Advocacy Presentation | Student Event
- November 11 - Staff Budget Webinar: FY28 Budget
- November 12 - Community Budget Webinar: FY28 Budget | Community Budget & Advocacy Labs
- November 15 - Staff Brunch & Budget
- January 2027: Refine projections based on the governor’s proposed budget and state aid information.
- Late January: Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph presents his recommended FY2028 budget to the Board of Education.
- February-March 2027: Anticipated Board hearings, work sessions and adoption of the requested budget for submission to the County Executive by March 1.
- Spring through June 2027: State and county budget deliberations continue, with the county budget due by June 1 and the Board’s school system budget due by June 30.
- July 1, 2027: FY2028 begins.