Student SMOB urges council to approve $3.78 million amendment for schools

James Obasiolu, an 11th grader and the newly elected student member of the Howard County Board of Education, urged the County Council to approve Council Resolution 48-2024 with Amendment 1 during the May legislative public hearing. "Approving this amendment would undoubtedly address pressing needs within our school system," James said, citing student transportation, operation of plant and fixed charges as the amendment’s primary targets.

Obasiolu described Amendment 1 — proposed by Vice Chair Walsh — as an increase of $3,779,818 to the Board of Education’s general fund budget for fiscal year 2025. He said the funds would be used to improve student transportation access, maintain school facilities and cover fixed charges such as insurance and utilities. "By investing in safe and reliable transportation services, we remove barriers to learning and promote equity in education," he said.

The student noted his experience observing how funding affects student achievement and called the council to "endorse council resolution 48 with amendment 1," arguing the change would open doors and demonstrate a commitment to students’ futures. The council did not ask substantive follow-up questions during his testimony.

Next procedural steps: CR 48-2024, with any filed amendments, is scheduled for final consideration in a legislative session on the dates the council has set for budget deliberations.