Montgomery College trustees ask council for $6.3 million increase to preserve affordability and support faculty

Gloria Parisio Blackwell, chair of the Montgomery College Board of Trustees, told the council Montgomery College needs a $6.3 million operating increase to meet rising enrollment and preserve affordable pathways to higher education.

"We provide affordable pathways for displaced federal workers, veterans, student parents, recent high school graduates, and residents seeking to reskill or upskill," Parisio Blackwell said. She noted enrollment growth of about 23% while the college budget grew only 12% over five years and said the requested increase is a strategic investment that supports compensation and capacity.

Speakers across the hearing reinforced the point that Montgomery College is a workforce pipeline. Julio Cesar Lopez, a nursing student, thanked the council for prior support and urged full funding to keep tuition affordable and maintain programs that connect students to healthcare careers. Employer partners later in the evening, including Bruce Specter of BCR Cyber, said the college’s employer‑aligned training delivers job‑ready candidates and urged continued support.

The college’s leaders and supporters framed the $6.3 million request as an investment that yields economic and social returns, and asked the council to protect operating funding in the FY27 budget. The council will consider operating and capital allocations in upcoming committee work sessions.