Harford County board approves FY27 budgets and a $175 sports participation fee; members back limited use of one-time fund balance

The Harford County Board of Education on June 29 approved its FY27 budget package, voting to pass restricted, food and nutrition, capital and operating (unrestricted) funds after a multi-hour public comment period dominated by pleas to preserve Hartford Glen, music instruction and magnet-transportation access.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Deborah Judd and Director of Budget Eric Clark presented the reconciliation, including proposed reductions, spending adjustments and additional considerations. The board approved the restricted fund ($48,855,598) and the food and nutrition fund ($23,655,000), both by voice vote.

The capital projects fund was presented with a new projects total of $90,287,040 and likewise approved. During operating-budget discussion staff described proposed reductions that include postponing additions of certain teacher positions and identifying savings in insurance and fixed charges.

Staff also proposed a $600,000 revenue estimate tied to reinstating a sports participation fee of $175 per year (not per sport) with waivers for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The fee proposal was described as covering a portion of athletic costs; administrators noted the district would continue to cover the remaining per-student per-sport cost (estimated at roughly $800–$1,100 per sport on average) and that schools typically work with families who cannot afford fees.

Board members debated whether to use one-time fund balance—$10 million was proposed—to reduce immediate impacts and give families time to plan for fees. Administration warned that using fund balance for recurring costs increases long-term risk and pointed to deferred-maintenance needs (e.g., HVAC and elevator repairs) that depend on reserves.

The board took a roll-call vote on the amendment to increase use of fund balance and on the operating budget. The roll call (as read in the meeting) recorded: Miss Narcaitis — Yes; Dr. Miller — Yes; Mr. McVicker — No; Mrs. Miller — Yes; Mrs. Hahn — Yes; Miss Bruce — No; Diane Alvarez — Yes; Vice President Sewell — No. The chair declared the motion passes, reported as 5–3.

Following the vote the board approved the FY27 unrestricted/operating fund as presented and adjourned the meeting. Administrators said they will monitor participation and revenues associated with the sports fee and continue work with the board, unions and community to address longer-term budget sustainability.