History of Budget Challenges

For years now, each budget cycle has the BOE considering more cuts in order to balance the budget.  During the period of declining student enrollment and corresponding decrease in commensurate per pupil state funding, the decade of cuts from 2009-2019 forced tough decisions resulting in $40M in ongoing cuts from CCPS.  It is important to understand that this period of cuts turned CCPS into one of the leanest school systems in the state with CCPS having the lowest ratio of non-instructional staff per student.  Compared to other school systems, CCPS has an exceptionally difficult time absorbing additional cuts without significant impact because it is already so lean.

The decade of cuts impacted all departments across the school system and resulted in the elimination of teacher, administrator, support staff, custodians, central office and clerical FTE.  Cuts were also made to programs, materials and equipment, and maintenance budgets.  Understandably, CCPS prioritized maintaining educators and programs that directly impacted the classroom.  In FY16, CCPS closed 3 schools:  North Carroll High, New Windsor Middle, and Charles Carroll Elementary.  The closure of those 3 schools saved CCPS $5M, allowing employees a 2.5% COLA after 6 years of no step increase or COLA.

Watch Dr. McCabe detailing $40M in cuts from FY09-FY18 during the BOE FY27 Budget Work Session, November 24, 2025.