(Washington Post) — The Prince George’s County Council approved a $2.7 billion budget Thursday that slightly reduces spending on education but sustains several key schools programs and may avert teacher layoffs. With the new budget, council members also allocated funds for an economic development fund and for road repairs, new police and fire recruits, and a one-time $750 bonus for county employees. The public school system receives the single largest share of the county budget: Spending on the schools will total about $1.6 billion, about $13 million less than the current budget. The council, which does not have line-item authority over school spending, has urged the school board to restore funds for a popular overnight nature camp for fifth-graders; to maintain busing for specialized academic programs; and to retain many aspects of an elementary reading program that has helped improve students’ skills.
