Howard County starts new school year on a positive note: "That is something that should be the norm"

For the first time in years, Howard County Public Schools started the new school year without major staff cuts or the fallout from a difficult budget cycle.

The county fully funded the school district's budget request for the school year, while the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) had to cover a shortfall of nearly $7 million.

The smoother budget cycle has students and their families feeling more optimistic about the school year ahead.

"Should be the norm"

WJZ met Maya Rhyne moments before she started her senior year at Wilde Lake High School.

She said she's ready to focus on her final year of high school and get things in order before she starts college next year.

"I actually just moved here last year, and [Wilde Lake High School had] a lot of good opportunities. There's a lot of clubs for me to join. I've really enjoyed my time here," Rhyne said.

Knowing that no positions were cut this school year, Rhyne said she's ready to make the most of her senior year.

"I'm ready to see how that is going to make the school better. It wasn't really bad last year ... but I noticed that we were kind of understaffed," she said.

During the 2025-2026 school year, 102 positions were cut to help balance the budget. That included eliminating all third-grade strings teachers, effectively eliminating orchestra for students in that grade level.

The lack of cuts is also a relief for parents like Kishanna Harley, who has a son entering the 7th grade at Wilde Lake Middle School.

"That is something that should be the norm. There should not be cuts in education," Harley said. "There actually should be more. There's never enough in the public school system that we can provide for our young people."

Nearly fully funded

Last budget cycle, Howard County allocated more than $871 million to the school system. 

That covered 99.3% of HCPSS's operating budget request. The county fully covered the school district's capital budget request.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball visited Wilde Lake High Monday, telling WJZ the allocation was possible because of collaborations with HCPSS and the Board of Education.

In an interview ahead of the school year, HCPSS superintendent Bill Barnes reiterated the school district's focus on supporting students who have historically underperformed, like students with disabilities and multi-language learners. 

This is part of Barnes's ongoing strategic plan. 

"We're an impressive school system, but we won't claim the mantle of greatness until we're great for each and every one of our children," Barnes said. "Until every one of our children is leaving with the education they deserve."

Right now, there are fewer than 100 teacher vacancies in Howard County, which is lower than normal.

Barnes touts better teacher retention rates.