Myth vs Fact
Let’s look at some of the topics and issues that affect WCPS
Myth: Boards of Education are independent agencies with total control over all aspects of local public education.
FACTS:
Boards of Education must comply with all federal laws and regulations and federal court decisions. As examples, we must comply with laws governing students living with disabilities, school meals program, and employment.
Boards of Education must follow state laws and regulations and state court decisions. As examples, we must comply with state curriculum standards, freedom to read act, state testing, operating budget manual, and collective bargaining. Failure to comply with state mandates may result in the State Superintendent of Schools withholding a portion of state funding.
Boards of Education have the following roles: hire the local superintendent of schools; carry out federal and state laws; maintain a reasonable uniform system of public education; and with the advice of the superintendent adopt policies. As an example, a Board of Education cannot hire or discipline an employee unless the action is recommended by the superintendent.
Myth: Boards of Education have total control over revenue and expenditures.
FACTS:
Boards of Education are fiscally dependent on federal, state, and local funding. Boards of Education do not have the authority to tax or issue capital bonds.
The major portion of a school system operating budget is staff and contracted services such as bus contractors. Approximately, 90% of our operating budget is salaries or contracted services such as bus contractors.
Salaries, wages, and working conditions are collectively bargained with our two bargaining units. Consequently, approximately 84% of our operating budget is subject to collective bargaining.
Boards of Education must follow the Maryland accounting manual and subject to the approval of county government set the categorical expenditures in 14 categories. Boards of Education cannot move funds from one category to the other without the approval of county government.
Both operating and capital budgets are routinely audited by federal, state, and independent auditors, and the results of the audit are shared.
Each school system must comply with “The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future” state law which includes 5 pillars. The process to comply with the Blueprint unfunded mandates will require significant reallocation of resources which will impact our ability to maintain small class sizes and provide after-school and summer school programs.
Myth: Worcester County Public Schools receives most of its funding from the state.
FACTS:
The distribution of a significant portion of state funds for the operating budget is based on local wealth. According to the state formula, Worcester County is the wealthiest county in Maryland. Consequently, we receive the lowest per student amount of state aid. As an example, in state aid, Somerset County Public Schools receive $17,804 per student while we receive $5,638.
In the area of expenditures per student, Worcester ranks third in the state while Baltimore City and Somerset rank 1st and 2nd. However, we rank at the top of the state in student achievement outperforming these and other school systems.
The distribution of state capital funds is also based on wealth. Consequently, we receive only about 26% of the cost of new construction or systemic renovation.
Myth: WCPS curriculum should be “Pro-American.” WCPS curriculum should focus on core subjects.
FACTS:
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) mandates curriculum guidelines. This means they are educational law. The school districts in Maryland must adhere to these guidelines and choose a curriculum that aligns with these standards. Non-compliance with the laws could mean loss of state funding for WCPS.
WCPS provides a well-rounded education for the whole child. This means the curriculum not only focuses on the core subjects, but also provides additional education in the arts, technology, music, and more to provide each student with the knowledge and experiences they need to succeed!
In fact, WCPS is exceeding expectations with student academic performance! Check out the links to see just how WCPS continues to improve under the guidance of WCPS administration and staff with support from Board of Education members, including Jon Andes.
Myth: WCPS Board of Education has meetings at noon because they don’t want parents to be involved!
FACTS:
WCPS Board of Education schedules the monthly meetings during the school day so that students have the opportunity to be recognized for their accomplishments! WCPS is able to provide those students with transportation to and from the meeting so that they may receive their accolades.
In acknowledgment of the difficulty for working parents, family members, and community members to attend meetings, WCPS Board of Education holds an evening meeting quarterly. All other monthly meetings are live-streamed and available online, on demand.