Council Vice President Will Jawando, chair of the Education and Culture Committee, commented on a proposal to fund 99.8% of the FY2026 Board of Education request. The agreement involves increasing the school system’s annual draw from the retiree health benefit trust.
“This short-term fix may provide what we need right now, but our students, educators and families deserve more. We must identify responsible and equitable ways to raise revenues.”
— Council Vice President Will Jawando
Jawando acknowledged the proposal provides near-term stability for MCPS, preventing immediate cuts to classrooms and staffing. However, he expressed concern about sustainability, noting that redirecting retiree health funds creates pressure on future budgets and postpones critical long-term funding decisions. He indicated he hopes to pursue more sustainable approaches during the next budget cycle.