Newark, MD, June 2, 2026– The County Commissioners voted 4-3 today to reduce the Board of Education’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request by $2,798,302, a reduction more than 11 times greater than the County’s reported $252,726 budget shortfall.
Voting in favor of reducing the Board of Education’s budget request were Commissioners Caryn Abbott (District One), Anthony “Chip” Bertino (District Five), Madison “Jim” Bunting (District Six), and President Theodore “Ted” Elder (District Four). Voting to oppose the reductions were Vice President Eric Fiori (District Three), Joseph Mitrecic (District Seven), and Diana Purnell (District Two).
During the discussion, Fiori requested that Superintendent Dr. Annette Wallace come forward to share the potential impact the reduction would have on the school system. Elder did not allow Dr. Wallace to speak, stating, “We’ve had enough of the back and forth.”
Wallace said the vote is especially frustrating given the size of the County’s reported shortfall compared to the magnitude of the reduction made to the school system’s request.
“We are deeply disappointed by today’s decision,” Wallace said. “Our budget request was built around the real needs of our students, staff, and schools. To reduce that request by nearly $2.8 million when the stated county shortfall was just over $250,000 is not only difficult to understand but deeply concerning for the future of our school system. It is even more frustrating that when a Commissioner asked for the opportunity to hear directly from us about the impact these reductions could have, I was not permitted to speak. This is compounded by the fact that two of the Commissioners refused to meet to discuss the Board’s budget request to better understand our needs. Our students, staff, families, and taxpayers deserve transparency about what their decision means.”
Board of Education President Todd Ferrante expressed frustration and disappointment with the decision by the majority of County Commissioners, emphasizing the impact it will have on students, employees, and families across Worcester County.
“This vote sends a troubling message about the priority the majority of commissioners place on public education,” Ferrante said. “For the fourth consecutive year, the Board of Education has faced significant reductions to its budget request despite the County having the resources to fully support our schools. The Board of Education has a responsibility to advocate for the resources our students and staff need to succeed. What is especially disappointing is that these cuts were avoidable. The majority chose to reduce funding well beyond the actual shortfall they faced, and the consequences will be felt in our classrooms, among our employees, and throughout our community. With all County Commissioner seats on the ballot this year, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether this reflects the leadership and commitment to public education they expect from their elected officials.”
School system leadership is currently reviewing the potential ramifications of the Commissioners’ action and what adjustments will be required to the FY27 budget as a result.
“These decisions are incredibly difficult,” Wallace said. “The reductions approved by a majority of the Commissioners will impact nearly every aspect of the student experience — from pre-kindergarten programs and Blueprint-mandated dual enrollment costs to transportation, afterschool programs, summer learning, and so much more. These reductions touch students from the moment they step onto a bus to the time they return home, and they affect children in every part of our county.”
It is anticipated that the Board of Education will discuss the ramifications of today’s budget vote at the special meeting that had already been scheduled for tomorrow, June 3, 2026.