January 22, 2026
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
$3.0B proposal follows historic cuts, avoids layoffs, and targets special education, literacy, and school safety
UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) today released its $3 billion Proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, a fiscally disciplined plan that cuts $150 million while protecting classroom instruction, stabilizing the workforce, and accelerating student outcomes.
The FY27 proposal is not an expansion budget. It is a stabilization budget, developed after the largest single-year reduction in district history. Over the past year, PGCPS eliminated long-term vacancies, reduced central office and contracted costs, exhausted one-time reserves, and absorbed a $95 million investment in employee compensation to bring salaries closer to regional standards.
“These cuts came first,” said Shawn Joseph, Interim Superintendent. “But we also know we cannot cut our way to excellence. This budget stabilizes our system, protects classrooms, and makes targeted investments so every child—regardless of zip code—has access to opportunity and high expectations.”
Protecting Educators and Classrooms
The proposed budget rejects furloughs and salary freezes and does not lay off active classroom teachers. Workforce savings are achieved primarily by eliminating long-term vacant positions and reducing non-classroom costs. Parent engagement and student support positions are preserved by shifting eligible roles to stable grant funding.
Targeted Adjustments, Student Protections
Based on enrollment trends and funding formulas, the proposal includes planned transitions in select specialty programs with low participation, including AVID, some immersion programs, and certain International Baccalaureate offerings. Current students will be supported through transitions, while instructional quality is maintained through expanded college and career readiness services, flexible world language pathways, and sustained IB instructional practices embedded in the district curriculum.
Strategic Investments to Improve Outcomes
Even amid reductions, the FY27 proposal makes high-impact investments where student needs are greatest:
View FY27 Budget Snapshot for a Detailed Breakdown of Investments and Reductions
View FAQs on the FY27 Proposed Operating Budget
“The Board is committed to responsible stewardship and transparency,” said Branndon Jackson, President of the Board of Education. “This proposed budget reflects that balance—protecting instruction, honoring workforce commitments, and addressing critical student needs while engaging the community throughout the process.”
Unified Leadership and Workforce Stability
Educators welcomed the focus on stability.
"Protecting salaries, avoiding furloughs, and preventing layoffs of classroom teachers are crucial for recruitment and retention, and this budget prioritizes that," said Dr. Donna Christy, President of the Prince George's Educators' Association. "There are still difficult decisions that have to be made, but this proposal reflects a shared vision of workforce stability, ensuring educators can focus on student success."
Next Steps
The FY27 budget is proposed, not final. The Board of Education will hold public work sessions and hearings in February 2026 before adopting the requested budget and transmitting it to Prince George’s County.
Families, staff, and community members are encouraged to follow updates and participate through the PGCPS Budget Information Portal.
Learn more about the FY27 budget development process.
