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Budget Archive


Frequently Asked Questions

budget

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Budget Process
  1. question When does the budget process begin for Harford County Public Schools?

    question The Harford County Public Schools budget process is a continuous process throughout the year. The Superintendent begins talking with the community and conducts public input session each Fall.


  2. question How can I get involved with the budget process?

    question

    The public is invited to participate in public input sessions as the Superintendent, Board of Education, and County Executive work through the process. Those meeting dates, times and location can be found on www.hcps.org/budget when available.

    You can also email questions and comments to budget@hcps.org throughout the year and participate in HCPS Twitter chats.



  3. question When is the Harford County Public Schools budget approved and finalized?

    question The deadline for the County Council to approve the HCPS budget is June 15. It is approved by the Board of Education in late June, and officialized by the Maryland State Department of Education in July.


  4. question What is collective bargaining?

    question

    Collective bargaining is the labor negotiation process required by the state of Maryland that Harford County Public Schools Board of Education completes in determining the budget.

    During this process, the Board formally negotiates labor contracts with employee associations of unions (or bargaining units). State law requires that these labor contracts include items such as work hours, salary, healthcare benefits, and working conditions. A negotiated contract must be ratified by both the Board and employee members of each unit.



  5. question Who decides how school funds are spent?

    question

    There are many people involved in the fair distribution of school funds: The principal and administrative staff at each school determines the use of allocated funds at their school based on student needs.

    The Superintendent and leadership team collaborate on the annual budget design.

    The Harford County Executive and County Council determine the allocation of funds for the Board of Education.

    The Maryland State Legislature and Governor determine the amount of state school funding and allocation of funds to each school district.

    The U.S. Congress and President of the United States determine the amount of federal school funding and allocation among states and school districts.

    Citizens, like yourself, provide input by voting for elected officials, attending Board of Education meetings and budget work sessions, and participating in County budget hearings.



Special Education Services
  1. question How much of the student population receives special education services?

    question

    About 13% of both elementary and middle school students and 11% of high school students receive special education services.

    *per www.mdreportcard.org



HCPS Transportation
  1. question How much of the student population utilizes transportation services?

    question Approximately 87% of the student population, roughly 32,760 students, utilize HCPS transportation services.