Howard County Board reviews FY27 funding proposal; county exec recommends $6.2M shortfall from board request
April 30, 2026 | Howard County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland
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The Howard County Board of Education received a budget update April 30 as county budget staff and the superintendent outlined the county executive’s FY27 proposal and the board’s options to close a remaining gap.
CFO Brian Hall said the county executive’s recommendation allocates about $1.3 billion to Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), an increase of about $55.5 million from FY26. After accounting for maintenance‑of‑effort adjustments tied to enrollment, Hall said the county’s plan still left the board’s request short by about $6.2 million.
"The proposal includes $1,300,000,000 allocated to Howard County Public Schools, which is approximately $55,500,000 more than the FY26 budget," Hall said. He outlined fund balances and one‑time funds the district used in prior years and projected FY26 year‑end balances.
Darren Conforti, executive director of budget, told the board the system had reduced reliance on one‑time funds over recent years and had taken steps to rebuild its health fund after prior deficits. Still, he said the health fund’s reserve remained "very low" relative to the district’s overall budget and required ongoing vigilance.
Superintendent Barnes recommended the board consider using a portion of the district’s unassigned general fund balance to close the $6.2 million gap so that staffing and hiring decisions essential to operations could proceed without delay. "We have a path forward," Barnes said, noting that timeliness matters for hiring and placements.
Board members asked for assurances about the fiscal prudence of using fund balance and for more detail on the health fund’s trajectory. Member Watts urged caution, saying the health fund had required significant corrective action in recent years and deserved continued protective measures. Conforti said the district had identified additional savings and earmarked an extra $1 million to help shore up health fund reserves.
The timeline for final action depends on the county council’s May 20 adoption of the county budget. Hall said May 14 is the deadline to submit category allocations for the county council’s consideration; the council’s vote on May 20 will determine whether the board must adjust its plan. The board tentatively planned a May 21 work session to deliberate next steps and agreed a public hearing would be appropriate if the work session produces substantive changes to the board’s recommended budget.
Next steps: the board will monitor final state aid figures, review the county council’s May 20 action, and hold a scheduled work session to determine whether and how to use fund balance or otherwise amend the FY27 budget.
CFO Brian Hall said the county executive’s recommendation allocates about $1.3 billion to Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), an increase of about $55.5 million from FY26. After accounting for maintenance‑of‑effort adjustments tied to enrollment, Hall said the county’s plan still left the board’s request short by about $6.2 million.
"The proposal includes $1,300,000,000 allocated to Howard County Public Schools, which is approximately $55,500,000 more than the FY26 budget," Hall said. He outlined fund balances and one‑time funds the district used in prior years and projected FY26 year‑end balances.
Darren Conforti, executive director of budget, told the board the system had reduced reliance on one‑time funds over recent years and had taken steps to rebuild its health fund after prior deficits. Still, he said the health fund’s reserve remained "very low" relative to the district’s overall budget and required ongoing vigilance.
Superintendent Barnes recommended the board consider using a portion of the district’s unassigned general fund balance to close the $6.2 million gap so that staffing and hiring decisions essential to operations could proceed without delay. "We have a path forward," Barnes said, noting that timeliness matters for hiring and placements.
Board members asked for assurances about the fiscal prudence of using fund balance and for more detail on the health fund’s trajectory. Member Watts urged caution, saying the health fund had required significant corrective action in recent years and deserved continued protective measures. Conforti said the district had identified additional savings and earmarked an extra $1 million to help shore up health fund reserves.
The timeline for final action depends on the county council’s May 20 adoption of the county budget. Hall said May 14 is the deadline to submit category allocations for the county council’s consideration; the council’s vote on May 20 will determine whether the board must adjust its plan. The board tentatively planned a May 21 work session to deliberate next steps and agreed a public hearing would be appropriate if the work session produces substantive changes to the board’s recommended budget.
Next steps: the board will monitor final state aid figures, review the county council’s May 20 action, and hold a scheduled work session to determine whether and how to use fund balance or otherwise amend the FY27 budget.
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