The Board of Education of Frederick County (Board) has approved the fiscal year 2024 Operating budget, which totals $910 million.
The new spending plan, formally approved this evening, represents a 10.6 percent increase over the current budget with a focus on attracting and retaining qualified staff to serve the growing number of families choosing Frederick County as a place to live.
“This budget provides for critical staff and resources for all students, especially those with the greatest needs, addresses significant budgetary challenges and supports the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future priorities,” said FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson. “It is a student centered budget.”
More than $50 million of the recommended budget accounts for systemic growth and the increased costs of operating a school system due to inflation. Approximately 22 percent of the budget is focused on anticipated enrollment growth.
“I think this spending plan will greatly help our students and staff,” said Board President Sue Johnson. “The Board thanks Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and the Frederick County Council for their support and commitment to the new budget.”
The Board also approved a new capital budget, totaling nearly $157 million. It includes the co-locating of Middletown Middle and Elementary schools, an addition to Crestwood Middle and replacements for Green Valley, Valley and Yellow Springs elementary schools.
FCPS is one of the fastest-growing school districts in Maryland. From Fiscal Year 2021 to Fiscal Year 2023, the FCPS student population has grown by more than 3,600 students.