Caroline County Public Schools

BUDGET 101

Caroline County Public Schools has a $112,741,536 operating budget that funds the operations of 10 schools and programs, and provides for the academic and social-emotional needs of more than 5,700 students.

What's the difference between the operating budget and the capital budget?

School district operating funds and capital funds are intended to meet different needs, must be kept in separate accounts, and are audited to ensure the money in each account is spent appropriately.

The Operating Budget supports the day-to-day operations of the school system, including teachers and other staff, supplies and materials, and other operational needs of schools and offices.

The Capital Budget supports school construction, renovations, land purchases and other major 'bricks and mortar' projects. It is paid for largely by the State and through debt assumed by the Caroline County Government.

What drives the CCPS operating budget?

The operating budget is driven by several factors that impact how and where we invest our resources.

enrollment

growing needs

system priorities

Where does the money come from?

The education budget in Caroline comes from three different sources.

Approximately 79% of the CCPS operating budget is funded through State revenue. The amount is calculated yearly according to student enrollment and a formula that is driven primarily by a district's ability to provide funding (wealth/poverty).
Tax revenue and other county dollars provide approximately 20% of the CCPS operating budget.
CCPS receives approximately 1% of the operating budget from the Federal government.

Where does the money go?

The vast majority of the budget goes into the classroom and to the services that directly support student success.

88.5% of the operating budget pays for salaries, wages and benefits for the teachers, support professionals, and administrators who work with and on behalf of students every day.

How are resources allocated to schools?

The Budget Process

The Budget Cycle

Developing the budget is a year-round process that involves many stakeholders and various forms of input.

Budgeting

We work with CCPS staff, community and elected officials to develop a budget.

Allocating

Resources are allocated in an equitable and transparent manner.

Staffing

Schools are provided with the staff they need to serve students.

Monitoring

Data and programs are continually reviewed to ensure the needs of students are being met.

Budget Collaboration

Superintendent

The Superintendent convenes the Budget Committee, which includes the chief financial officer and the supervisors of instruction, operations, and human resources.

Staff

The budget is discussed with the Administrators and Supervisors group, the School Systems Improvement Council (SSIC), and at staff meetings in all schools.

Stakeholder Groups

The budget is discussed with the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) at their monthly meetings.

Board

The Board moves through a detailed process to review, develop and adjust the budget prior to finalization.

The Budget Timeline

November: Departments and schools submit their budget requests to the budget committee

December: The Administrators and Supervisors (A&S) conduct the annual budget roundtable discussion at their monthly meeting.

January-February: The Superintendent presents budget information at school faculty meetings, the School System Improvement Council (SSIC) and the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) meetings.

January-April: The budget becomes a discussion item at monthly board meetings and is adjusted based on projected state revenue.

April-May: Once state revenue is confirmed, the Superintendent’s budget is finalized. The Board approves the Superintendent’s budget and it becomes theirs to prioritize.

June: The Board approves their final budget and submits it to the Caroline County Commissioners.