Apr 27, 2026 - EC/HHS Committee Worksession

The Montgomery County Council's joint Education and Culture and Health and Human Services Committee held a worksession on April 27, 2026, to review the FY27 operating budget for Health and Human Services (HHS) programs focused on children, youth, and families. Key procurement-related discussions included budget allocations and contract management for various programs such as the Lighthouse initiative, Linkages to Learning, school-based mental health services, and the George B. Thomas Learning Academy. The committee reviewed enhancements and reductions in contracts, including a $160,000 enhancement for contractors providing protective service clearances and a $722,579 reinstatement for the George B. Thomas Learning Academy tutoring services contract, which had been proposed for elimination but was restored due to MCPS's inability to absorb the program. The committee also discussed the transition of some services to MCPS, contract oversight, and background check policies for vendors. Several budget items were placed on the reconciliation list for further full council consideration, including a $200,000 request to support Linkages to Learning services at Twinbrook Elementary School. The committee emphasized the importance of clear communication and coordination between HHS and MCPS for service delivery and contract administration.