"Fund our schools" was the rallying cry of school leaders, educators and community members in Montgomery County, Maryland, at a rally held on Feb. 27, 2025. The Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP), AFSA Local 146, the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA), SEIU Local 500 and local community leaders gathered to urge Montgomery County elected officials to fully fund the Board of Education’s proposed operating budget for the 2025–2026 school year.
“This is a powerful show of support for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS),” said MCAAP President Christine Handy. “We are here today as one united voice—administrators, educators, staff, parents and community members—standing together to send a clear message to the County Council: Fully fund our schools!”
“The budget before you is not just numbers on a page. It represents the future of our students, the stability of our schools and the well-being of the dedicated professionals who serve this community every single day,” Handy continued. “Our superintendent has already made difficult cuts. Positions have been eliminated. Programs have been adjusted. And yet, despite these sacrifices, we are still being asked to do more with less.”
A Fully Funded Budget Means:
- Competitive salaries that help us retain and attract top educators and staff.
- Adequate staffing to ensure students receive the attention and support they need.
- Full funding for special education services to meet the needs of our most vulnerable students.
- Investments in school security and safety enhancements to protect children and staff.
“Even in tough economic times, our students deserve the best education possible. And that starts with fully funding the proposed budget,” Handy emphasized. “We cannot afford to fall behind. We cannot afford more cuts. And we cannot afford to lose talented professionals to other districts simply because they offer higher pay.”
As state and local officials face growing financial challenges, the rally aimed to press Montgomery County elected leaders to fully fund the MCPS budget, ensuring the district can continue providing quality education and resources for both students and educators. The event coincided with concerns over a projected $3 billion state budget deficit in Democratic Gov. Wes Moore’s proposal, which could slow down spending for fiscal year 2026.
MCEA President David Stein also gave remarks, stressing the importance of standing firm in the face of fiscal challenges. “Montgomery County has long believed in the promise of public education and in the promise of our students,” Stein said. “But do we only believe in that promise during the easy times?” The crowd responded with a resounding “No!” as they rallied around the cause.
MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor and Montgomery County Board of Education President Julie Yang were among the key speakers, joining the chorus of voices calling for the preservation of funding for public schools. "Strong public schools are the foundation of a thriving community, economy and the future we want for our children,” Yang said, emphasizing the broader importance of educational funding for the county’s long-term success.
In a statement before the rally, the MCAAP urged members to come out in full force to make their voices heard. "We need the County Council and the community to know that we are united in our demand for the full funding of the MCPS budget," the statement read. "Our voice matters to ensure we don’t face further budget cuts that could impact staff compensation or lead to position reductions."
The event also gave residents, parents and teachers the chance to show their support for public education and call on local lawmakers to prioritize funding. The rally was seen as a pivotal moment for education advocates to demonstrate the importance of fully supporting MCPS, especially considering potential financial shortfalls.
As the debate over school funding continues, the rally highlighted the urgent need for local and state governments to recognize the critical role education plays in shaping the future of Montgomery County and beyond.
“We are here today as one united voice—administrators, educators, staff, parents and community members—standing together to send a clear message to the County Council: Fully fund our schools!” said Handy.
