School System Holding Public Hearing on Superintendent's Operating Budget

Baltimore County residents have the opportunity to sound off on school system Superintendent Dallas Dance's proposed fiscal year 2014 operating budget.

A public hearing for the budget, which Dance introduced to the Board of Education on Jan. 8, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at West Towson Elementary School.

The $1.3 billion request—a $41.9 million increase from the previous year—is notable for its plan to add approximately 100 teaching positions to the existing 8,792, and six guidance counselor positions to the existing 269.

Former Superintendent Joe Hairson, who retired in June 2012, cut 194 teaching positions from the fiscal year 2012 budget.

Those wishing to speak can sign up at the school starting at 6 p.m. on the day of the hearing, according to a school system news release. Each speaker will be alloted 3 minutes.