Members of the Montgomery County Commission have decided against changing the allocation of a 1% public education sales tax, according to Montgomery Public Schools officials.
The change was supported by Montgomery County Commission chairman Doug Singleton, but opposed by Montgomery Public Schools. Singleton told 1819 News in an interview in December that revenue from the 1% county sales tax currently goes 100% to Montgomery and Pike Road Schools. If his proposal were approved by the commission, 90% of the revenue would go to public schools and 10% would go to the county for health care, public safety, and economic development.
According to estimates, the tax raises about $41 million annually for education. Under the proposed change, the county would have received about $4 million annually. Singleton has said that the change was needed to help fund the county's financial obligations.
Montgomery Public Schools officials applauded the county commission for deciding against changing the tax allocation.
“Let the record reflect that I stepped into leadership to include financial stability for needed academic improvements and Superintendent Bryd’s School Initiatives during one of the most difficult seasons in our district’s history, when MPS was working through state intervention, financial instability, and public uncertainty. Some disappeared from the work,” Montgomery County Board of Education member Pamela Cloud said in a statement recently.
Montgomery County Board of Education member Lesa Keith said in a statement, “I want to sincerely thank all four County Commissioners who voted to protect the Penny Tax and allow our children to maintain this critical funding source for education.”
“I truly believe eyes were opened on many levels — especially regarding how one individual can attempt to skew, influence, or even redirect an entire agenda,” Keith said. “Above all, I especially want to thank Justin Castanza and Isiah Sankey for listening, asking questions, and standing up for what was right for our students and our schools. Our children deserve leaders willing to put education first.”
Montgomery Public Schools superintendent Zickeyous Byrd also applauded the county commission for not changing the tax.
“This decision reflects a strong commitment to the students, families, and educators of Montgomery County. The continuation of this funding stream is critical to ensuring that Montgomery Public Schools can provide high-quality educational opportunities, maintain essential programs, and continue making strategic investments that benefit our entire community,” Byrd said in a statement. “We recognize that decisions like these are never taken lightly, and we deeply appreciate the Commission’s willingness to prioritize the long-term success and stability of our school system. Their partnership and support make a meaningful difference in our students’ lives each and everyday.”
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