Montgomery County Educators Demand Increased School Funding

Proposed budget cuts spark protests and debate over education priorities

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:29pm

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A bold, abstract illustration composed of a repeating grid of colorful textbook shapes in shades of electric blue, hot pink, and highlighter yellow, conceptually representing the ongoing debate over education funding priorities.The battle over education funding in Montgomery County reflects the broader national struggle to balance fiscal responsibility with the urgent need to invest in the future of our communities.Rockville Today

Hundreds of educators in Montgomery County, Maryland have taken to the streets to protest proposed cuts to the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The $3.79 billion operating budget proposal includes a $10.4 million increase over the superintendent's initial recommendation, but teachers and staff argue that it is still not enough to adequately fund education and support students, especially those with specialized needs.

Why it matters

This budget battle reflects a broader national struggle over the value placed on public education and the competing priorities of fiscal responsibility and investing in the future. The outcome will have significant implications for the quality of education and resources available to students in Montgomery County, as well as set an example for how other communities approach education funding.

The details

The proposed MCPS budget includes a 3.25% base salary increase for staff, which educators argue is necessary to keep up with the rising cost of living. However, the budget also includes a tiered approach to class sizes based on poverty data, which acknowledges the need for more resources in underserved communities. County Executive Marc Elrich has proposed raising the property tax rate by 6.3 cents per $100 of assessed value and increasing the income tax rate by 0.1% to help fund the budget, sparking debate over who should bear the burden of increased taxes.

  • The Montgomery County Council is currently deliberating the proposed MCPS budget for fiscal year 2027.
  • Hundreds of educators protested outside the Montgomery County Council office in Rockville on April 10, 2026.

The players

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)

The public school system serving Montgomery County, Maryland, with over 166,000 students enrolled.

Marc Elrich

The County Executive of Montgomery County, Maryland, who has proposed raising taxes to help fund the MCPS budget.

Thomas Taylor

The Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, who initially recommended a lower budget increase.

Montgomery County Education Association

The teachers' union representing MCPS educators, which is advocating for increased funding and resources.

SEIU Local 500

The union representing other MCPS staff, such as support workers, who are also protesting the proposed budget cuts.

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What they’re saying

“Our students, especially with [specialized] services, are not getting the attention they need.”

— Crystal Grayson, English teacher at Wheaton High School

“Teachers, federal employees, nurses, small business workers, and retirees on fixed incomes are all feeling squeezed.”

— Rommel Calderwood, Federal employee

What’s next

The Montgomery County Council is expected to vote on the final MCPS budget proposal in the coming weeks, with the outcome likely to have a significant impact on the quality of education and resources available to students in the county.

The takeaway

This budget battle highlights the broader national struggle over the value placed on public education and the difficult trade-offs between fiscal responsibility and investing in the future. The outcome in Montgomery County will set an example for how other communities approach education funding and the role of unions and community advocacy in shaping these decisions.