001County's Board of Education is set to take some final action on this budget tomorrow. >> Yes, on a last-ditch effort some positions have been saved from budget cuts, but other jobs, including some that have been unfilled this school year, are being dropped. >> Sarah Robinson joins us now live from the Council Office Building in Rockville. Sarah, we know you spoke with some people who are impacted by this decision. >> I did, and it's really a mix of heartbreak and relief uh for those who had their jobs saved, but many jobs are still on the chopping block tonight. Even those who had their jobs saved say they are skeptical of this entire budget process and worry about what it means for next year. >> And my phone started to blow up with text messages. >> After
0023 weeks of pain and grief, Kate Healed, a college and career navigator at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, got an email Tuesday night that changed everything. >> Very mixed feelings when I got that. >> MCPS is facing a $36 million budget shortfall. More than 430 full-time positions were originally slated for elimination, including hers. She and her colleagues urged MCPS to revisit the budget, asking leaders to consider other options. In part, their efforts paid off. >> It was kind of hard to feel too excited when you knew that people you had been fighting with were not keeping their jobs. >> In an email to staff, Superintendent Thomas Taylor said there is no realistic way to close the budget gap without cutting positions or reducing wages because about 90% of the budget is personnel costs. After a review
003of staffing needs and vacancies, MCPS plans on restoring 59 positions. 15 staff development teachers, 18 school psychologists, and 26 college and career navigators. To offset those changes, the district identified 40 new reductions, 12 literacy specialists, and 28 secretary assistants. Those positions are not currently filled. >> So, I I basically don't get too comfortable. Um >> [laughter] >> So, it's a little unsettling. >> But even in victory, there's concern about what comes next. In the same email, Superintendent Taylor warned that next year's budget process could be even more challenging. >> We need more transparency. We need more accountability, and we need more in oversight. >> Meanwhile, County Council member Evan Glass says the latest cuts raise bigger questions about how MCPS spends its money. >> Council adopts and passed our $7.9 billion budget just a few
004weeks ago. But the problem is we truly don't know where half of it goes once it goes to MCPS. >> The Montgomery County Board of Education is set to take a final vote on this topic and the impact on jobs tomorrow. Of course, we'll be there covering it and can update you when that vote happens. For now, reporting live in Montgomery County, I'm Sarah Robinson, WUSA9. >> Sounds like there's more for us to do if if a council member, who we should mention also is running for county executive, says half the money they give to the school system, they aren't sure where it's going. >> everybody's pointing fingers. The school system is blaming the council, the council is blaming the school system. >> Exactly. And and the kids and and the staff are the ones
005caught in the middle. >> All right, we'll be following it for sure. Sarah, thank you.