* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Mosby, Councilmember Costello
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Request for State Action - Full Funding for Baltimore City Public Schools
For the purpose of calling on Governor Lawrence J. Hogan to fully fund the Baltimore City Public Schools to the levels established by the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and as required by state law.
body
The Constitution of Maryland mandates the “thorough and efficient” funding of public schools throughout the state. Every year the State of Maryland and the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore provide funding for the operations of the Baltimore City Public School System. Historically, this funding has not been sufficient to meet the educational needs of every Baltimore City student.
For three years, the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (the Kirwan Commission) brought together a wide range of experts and local leaders to develop policy and funding recommendations that would ensure Maryland schools in every local jurisdiction provided an adequate education to every student. In 2020, the Maryland General Assembly passed The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, legislation to put the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission into practice. In 2021, the General Assembly went on to override Governor Hogan’s veto of the Blueprint legislation, making the funding formulas contained in the bill state law.
The Baltimore City Council has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, having called for an override of Governor Hogan’s veto of the legislation and holding hearings to assess Baltimore’s fiscal readiness for additional education funding obligations. The City Council believes that adequately-funded public education is a tremendous tool to combat the impacts of concentrated poverty. The City Council further believes that, once fully implemented, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future will have an immeasurable impact on the lives of and educational outcomes for Baltimore City public school students.
In January of 2022, Governor Hogan released his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023. His budget did not contain mandated funding for several Blueprint initiatives, including the Education Effort Adjustment index intended to more equitably share between the state and Baltimore City the increased financial commitment to our students. This component of the state education funding formula was expected to provide an additional $99 million in funding to Baltimore City schools. The Governor is required by law to provide this funding.
At a time when the State of Maryland expects to realize an unprecedented budget surplus, the City Council sees no justification for the Governor to not provide this funding as required.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Baltimore City Council urges Governor Lawrence J. Hogan to immediately take all necessary action to fully fund the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and satisfy all education funding requirements mandated by state law.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Governor of Maryland, the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, the President of the Maryland Senate, the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, the Baltimore City Delegation to the General Assembly, the Mayor, the Baltimore City Council President, the President’s legislative staff, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.