Allocate additional money to schools

I have read the Cecil County commissioners’ proposed budget for F.Y. ’08 and wonder about their thought process.

For the first time in 10 years, the county has funded the bare minimum for public education required by Maryland law. This minimum is actually $300,000 less than what was allocated for this year, F.Y. ’07.

The premise of Thornton, passed by the state five years ago, was to ensure an equal partnership between the state and local government to provide adequate funding as determined by the Thornton Commission.

For the past four years, the county has shown the state that it is an equal partner by significantly exceeding the minimum funding requirements. This year the county has proposed no additional funds which will require the Board of Education to rely solely on the state, which violates the philosophy and intent of Thornton funding. With 85 pecent of the school budget related to personnel, this lack of funding will have an impact on the employees of the school system as well as the citizens of Cecil County.

The business community in Cecil County depends on the public education system to provide qualified individuals who can successfully enter the work force to ensure our competitiveness in the region.

What is the priority that the commissioners hold for public education? Is there a plan that explains their priority exhibited by this year’s budget proposal? I respectfully ask the county commissioners to re-evaluate their budget proposal and provide additional funding for the Cecil County Public Schools.

James Brady is president of the Business Education Partnership Advisory Council (BEPAC) for the Cecil County Public Schools.

From: James Brady, Elkton