By Maddie Peloff ’16

Elected in the state of Maryland during the fall 2014 elections, new Republican Governor Larry Hogan has promised a reduction of taxes in his upcoming term. Anticipating major cuts in state and county budgets, school systems, including MCPS, reduced their budgets a significant amount for the following school year.

Montgomery County’s interim superintendent Larry A. Bowers plans to reduce next year’s budget 27 million dollars, calling for a reduction in schools’  staff and spending. If carried out, Bowers’ plan will require the county’s principals to cut 370 positions for the following year. Though county officials are attempting to create a new budget plan that restores lost funding, Bowers warns that the budget, which is approved in late May, will require many cuts and adjustments.

One of these adjustments is the increase in class size. Although reduced class sizes are proven to greatly benefit students’ academic performances, the current budget plans would demand an increase in guidelines of class sizes. Unless the county can find a way to restore the budget, class sizes in both high poverty schools and other schools would rise in all grade levels, often by one student or more.

Though schools spokesman Dana Tofig said that schools are not yet letting go of teachers and staff, many are facing involuntary transfers for the next year. Of the staff members most affected by the budget cuts include English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)  teachers, special education teachers, staff development teachers and media assistants.

Bowers, though hopeful to restore the money lost from the budget, is realistic about the possibility of budget cuts. Though no official plan has been approved, Montgomery County is likely to receive a large budget reduction.