PGCPS academic central office cuts target specialty programs; special education funding left intact

Prince George's County Public Schools officials on Feb. 5 outlined proposed program changes within the Division of Academics as part of FY2027 reductions intended to protect classroom instruction while trimming central discretionary spending.

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Judith White told the board the division cut about $12,000,000 from central discretionary funds and will target career and technical education, curriculum and instruction specialties, early learning, and arts programs for reductions. She emphasized that special education funding was not reduced and that realignments will sustain 12‑month autism services and add occupational therapy capacity.

"I just told you we cut $12,000,000, but it has not impacted how we want to approach children," Dr. White said, adding that special education "will remain funded" despite the broader central office reductions.

Staff outlined a series of program changes: converting some immersion offerings to elementary world‑language programs (citing Paint Branch and Capitol Heights) because several immersion streams operate as boundary programs with staffing inefficiencies; moving from an AVID elective model toward systemwide college and career coaches to reach more students; and maintaining the high‑school IB diploma but restructuring primary‑ and middle‑year IB models at some schools. The district also proposed eliminating certain summer bridge programs (IB science & tech, aviation) and reducing stipend funding for professional development leads.

Board members and parents asked for clearer communication and transition planning. Board member Gomez McCants asked about marketing non‑IB curricula so families understand alternatives; Dr. White said the curriculum content would remain aligned to district standards and that the district will provide planning support for schools undergoing program transitions.

Several public commenters later urged the board to preserve IB and immersion continuity. A parent from Frederick Douglass asked the board to maintain ninth‑grade pre‑IB pathways to avoid disruption to students moving into the IB diploma sequence.

Officials said staff would continue community outreach and Q&A meetings with affected schools and families and that proposed changes are contingent on final budget adoption and any additional funding the board secures.