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There are several reasons for this very modest budget proposal including the results of the special session by the Maryland legislature to address its structural deficit. Measures taken to address the deficit plus the district’s declining enrollment will result in less revenue from the state which is the primary funding source for the district. Couple that with the county revenue problem from falling income tax collections, the declining real estate market and the fact that Prince George’s County leads the state in foreclosures, and there is a real problem for the school district and anticipated funding from county sources.

Dr. Deasy has proposed in his budget no reserve to be used later to fund any level of raises for employees. While we are disappointed that the superintendent has not proposed such a reserve up front, this is not the first time in the budget process that a superintendent has taken a similar action to balance a budget. PGCEA is currently in the process of analyzing the budget proposal to determine if there are recommendations that the Association will make to the school board or county officials that can be used to create a reserve for negotiation.

PGCEA members should understand clearly that it is the Association’s plan to enter negotiations later this winter to pursue raises for our members as we always do. We view Dr. Deasy’s recommendation as the first proposal in the negotiations process.

PGCEA invites members who feel they can identify areas of waste in district programs or services to send that information to PGCEA. Such recommendations would also include areas or programs that could be delayed or terminated. Any such recommendation should be submitted in writing with a brief description of why the recommendation should or can be a target for elimination or reduction.

The bottom line in this is that we know the problem is real, but it is unacceptable to expect our members to bear the weight of balancing the budget. As we move through the budget process, there may be activities that our members will be called upon to participate in, so please keep an eye on communications from PGCEA.