Baltimore County Public Schools

Engage. Empower. Excel.

Local

Tax revenue and other county dollars provide the most revenue for the BCPS Operating Budget— about 48 percent.

State

Nearly 39 percent of the budget is funded through state revenue. The percentage of the budget funded through state revenue continues to grow, thanks to the passage of Blueprint for Maryland's Future legislation that will provide millions of dollars in funding to BCPS over several years. 

Federal and Other

BCPS receives nearly 14% in funding dollars from the federal government and other sources.

Enrollment

We allocate staff based on enrollment. Our staffing standards include ratios of projected students per classroom teacher. The staffing standards are applied to the projected student enrollment to come up with the initial staffing allocations. For example, an elementary school with a projected enrollment of 500 students would receive 1 principal, 1 assistant principal, and 1 reading specialist, while an elementary school with a projected enrollment of 725 would receive 1 principal, 2 assistant principals, and 2 reading specialists. 

Enrollment and the needs of schools are continually monitored and additional support is provided when available.

Need

We also differentiate allocations based on the needs of the students the school serves. If a school has a higher population of English Language Learners, they will receive additional staff to provide English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services. Title I schools and schools that have high percentages of children from low-income families receive additional staffing, supports and interventions to help meet the needs of those students and families. 

Programs

BCPS also allocates staff and resources based on special programs at the school. If a school has a magnet program, special education center, or some other type of program, additional staff is provided. The Office of Special Education determines special education staffing for schools so that each student receives an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment as determined by the students Individualized Education Program (IEP).  

Planning

Ensuring our work is aligned to the needs of our 111,000 students and 20,000+ staff as well as our strategic priorities.

Budgeting

Working with Team BCPS staff, community and elected officials to develop a budget for BCPS.

Allocating

Allocating resources in an equitable and transparent manner.

Staffing

Providing schools with the staff they need to serve their students.

Monitoring

Reviewing data frequently and seeking feedback on programs to ensure we are getting a return on the investment our community makes.

Board

The Board of Education adopts its operating budget request for BCPS in February each year. This is after holding public hearings and work sessions to receive input from the community and meetings with BCPS staff to review the details of the budget.

Staff

Our employees are an important part of the budget process. Work on the budget begins in the summer and BCPS offices and school and central office leaders have an opportunity to share their priorities and tentative requests with BCPS leadership for consideration.

Families and Stakeholders

The voices of Team BCPS students, parents, and community members play a critical role in the development of the budget. Through public hearings, survey responses, community and advisory council meetings, and other engagement opportunities, members of the BCPS community get to share what is important to them and what they believe the school system should prioritize.

County Leaders

Throughout the budget process, we work closely with the Baltimore County Executive and Baltimore County Council on a budget that meets the needs of the school system. Our leaders believe in our students and have a longstanding commitment to investment in the students of BCPS. There is no doubt that our community continues to receive a strong return on the investment it makes in our students.