The two local leaders whose cash-strapped governments are being asked to pump hundreds of millions more into public schools came to the State House on Wednesday and expressed concerns about whether the plans are affordable.
At the opening of the 441st legislative session in Annapolis, both Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said they planned to ask state lawmakers to alter the Kirwan Commission’s plans that require each of their jurisdictions to spend more than $300 million a year in additional funds on public education by the end of the decade while asking nothing more of some wealthier counties.
“My budget director said: If we did this, we’d just simply have to defund the police department,” Alsobrooks said.
The Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education — nicknamed the “Kirwan Commission” — is recommending free, full-day prekindergarten for low-income 3- and 4-year olds; increasing standards and services so that all students are ready for college or a career upon graduating high school; and establishing a strong accountability system to oversee its recommendations.