Dollars & Decisions — FY27 Budget: The Why, the Ask, the Dates
January 16, 2026
This is the eighth installment of Dollars & Decisions — a series charting the path ahead toward the FY 2027 budget.
As we approach the release of the FY27 Proposed Operating Budget, hear critical context from Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph on the district's fiscal landscape and proactive measures being taken to protect instructional integrity.
In an interview with WJLA-TV Channel 7, Dr. Joseph detailed a "crisis budgeting" scenario driven by the exhaustion of reserves and a significant structural loss in revenue following changes to the telecommunications tax.
To navigate these challenges, the district has identified $150 million in internal cuts — the largest in history — focusing on central office efficiencies and the strategic reduction of programs that are under-enrolled, duplicative, or that did not demonstrate clear return on investment.
Dr. Joseph's Interview on WJLA-TV
The $50 Million Stabilization Request
Dr. Joseph is proposing a $50 million stabilization request to the county. This targeted investment is designed to restore balance while funding key priorities:
$30 Million for Special Education: Stabilize mandated supports and services, legal compliance, and corrective action.
$20 Million for Operational Excellence: Focused on safety and security and strategic accelerants to improve mathematics and literacy.
"We have tightened our belts as much as we possibly could," Dr. Joseph said, emphasizing that the district is operating at the statutory minimum required by law. By absorbing $102 million in compensation commitments to keep teacher salaries competitive and targeting cuts toward central administration, PGCPS aims to maintain current class sizes and school-level resources.
Important Dates for the Community
The upcoming week marks the beginning of a public process to finalize the FY27 roadmap.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 - 6:00 PM: Virtual 2026 State of the Schools Address
Thursday, Jan. 22: Interim Superintendent's FY27 Proposed Budget Presentation
Post-Jan. 22: Formal budget hearings will be held for staff and parent feedback before the final recommendation is sent to the County Executive in March.