WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET
FY 2026
Exceeded the state average graduation rate for four-year and five- year cohorts, with 89.7% of the students graduating within four years of high school and 91.3% of students graduating within five years. WCPS goal for FY25 was to achieve 92% of students graduating within five years. The average state graduation rates were 87.6% and 87.4% respectively. More than 49% of students were determined to be college and career-ready by the end of 10 th grade. WCPS goal for FY25 was to achieve 50% of students. In the 2023-2024 school year, WCPS had 2,838 students enrolled in 7,338 dual credit courses through Hagerstown Community College, with 76.8% of 12 th graders participating. 91% of students graduated from a WCPS high school (five-year cohort) with a Career and Technical Education completer or a University of Maryland Completer. WCPS FY25 goal was 92% graduation rate. This achievement equips our students with the necessary skills and knowledge for their chosen career paths. Remained competitive among neighboring public-school systems in Maryland by offering one of the highest starting teacher salaries in the state. FY25 goal was to remain in the top five. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation mandates an increase to teacher salaries which will make this standing more challenging for Washington County to hold in future years. Recruited 165 new teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. The FY25 goal was to recruit 150 new teachers. This will ensure we meet the needs of our students.
Key Data
FY2025 Estimated
FY2026 Projected
Services Provided/Clients Served
FY2023 Actual
FY2024 Actual
Number of Public Schools
41
41
41
41
Number of Students
22,297
22,549
22,772
22,940
Students Receiving Free & Reduced Meals
12,310
12,914
13,135
13,232
2024 Budget
2025 Budget
2026 Budget
Category Funding Sources
$ Change
% Change
General Fund Support
109,070,360 110,172,840 122,839,520
12,666,680
11.50%
Grants/Intergovernmental
0
0
0
0
0.00%
Fees/Charges
0
0
0
0
0.00%
Total
109,070,360 110,172,840 122,839,520
12,666,680
11.50%
2024 Budget
2025 Budget
2026 Budget
Program Expenditures by Function
$ Change
% Change
Wages and Benefits
0
0
0
0
0.00%
Operating
109,070,360 110,172,840 122,839,520
12,666,680
11.50%
Capital Outlay
0
0
0
0
0.00%
Total
109,070,360 110,172,840 122,839,520
12,666,680
11.50%
2026 Budget Document
69
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