How is the MCPS budget shortfall impacting construction projects?
County Council funded two-thirds of CIP request, resulting in delayed projects
By
Ashlyn CampbellMay 28, 2026 11:37 a.m.
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As Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) deals with potentially cutting hundreds of positions to close a $36 million budget gap for the coming fiscal year, a reduction in its proposed spending for capital improvement projects is also forcing the district to delay some planned projects, according to MCPS officials.
Earlier this month, the County Council approved a $1.85 billion capital improvements budget for the district, representing 67% of the school board’s $2.78 billion request. The council also approved the MCPS operating budget, leaving a $36 million gap between the district’s proposed expenses and the amount of funding it will receive for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
On May 21, MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor told the county school board during a budget update about the impact of the cut in the $2.7 billion six-year capital improvements program (CIP) funding that the school board had requested. Taylor had requested the amount to deal with longstanding infrastructure issues, including mold and other problems in dilapidated buildings.
“A third of the capital improvement plan request was unfunded. More than half of the projects were delayed, technology was cut in half — in half — and there are facility planning dollars that have been zeroed out,” Taylor said.
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There are no school construction projects in the design phase — the first time that has occurred in the last 50 years – meaning no new buildings beyond those already in the works are scheduled to be designed and built, he said.
Projects at the following elementary schools: Burning Tree in Bethesda, Cold Spring in Potomac, Highland View in Silver Spring and Piney Branch in Takoma Park will be delayed by three years, with design for the projects beginning in 2031 and construction aimed to be completed by 2034.
Projects for alternative education programs were delayed by three years, funding for technology modernization was cut from a requested $33.8 million to $16.9 million.
Construction projects for Damascus High (set to be completed in August 2031) and Eastern Middle School in Silver Spring (set to be completed in 2030) are remaining on schedule in the new CIP.
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Additionally, while not funded at the level the school board requested, the approved CIP includes 50% in funding from current spending for HVAC replacements and roof replacements, and emergency replacement funds for building components, including fire safety and restroom renovations.
During the council’s operating budget discussions in May, Taylor had outlined potential position cuts if the council didn’t fully fund the district’s budget request.
To reduce the proposed staffing cuts, Councilmember Will Jawando (D-At-large) suggested during a May 15 council meeting that the council transfer $36 million from the district’s portion of the county’s $6.3 billion six-year capital improvements program to MCPS for operating expenses, which lessened the amount of the council’s initial proposed $73 million reduction in the district’s funding. The council voted 7-4 to shift the funding, leaving MCPS with the roughly $36 million budget gap.
The school board is expected to vote June 4 on Taylor’s proposal to cut more than 430 positions to close that gap.
Several council members, including some who voted against the shifting of funds, expressed hesitancy over not addressing some building concerns.
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Councilmember Kate Stewart (D-Dist. 4) said one of the most difficult parts of the spring’s budget process was listening to MCPS parents and employees speak about mold, asbestos and other issues in their school buildings. Because of those needs, she said she could not support Jawando’s motion.
“I’m very concerned about what we’re doing with this action and what it means, not just for the near term, and what we can fund for infrastructure, but what it does for us long term,” Stewart said.
In suggesting the transfer of funds, Jawando had noted that he was cognizant of the fact that there were “no good options.”
“There are worse options, and among them would be the devastating, catastrophic cuts to MCPS staff and educators,” Jawando said.
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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine