Board of Education Public Work Session | October 6, 2026 | 1:00PM

The Washington County Public Schools Board of Education held a public work session on October 6, 2026; no business was conducted and no votes or contract awards were made. Staff and CliftonLarsonAllen reviewed the FY26 audit, reporting no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. The district reported a $5.4 million general-fund surplus and an unassigned fund balance of about $30.2 million. A year-end budget adjustment is planned for board consideration at a future business meeting. The discussion also noted inflationary pressures on utilities, software, and contracted services, along with ongoing facility-maintenance needs.

Staff reported 11 active summer capital projects totaling approximately $62.8 million in construction costs, plus about 50 renovation and maintenance projects. Work included HVAC, roofing, electrical, kitchen, flooring, paving, and playground upgrades, as well as construction progress at Downsville Pike Elementary. A playground replacement at Clear Spring Elementary received Program Open Space grant funding. Staff also outlined upcoming projects, including a Jonathan Hager Elementary addition and work at Boonsboro Elementary and North Hagerstown. The board discussed a draft 2027 legislative program, including a proposal to seek additional hotel-tax revenue for school security upgrades; the draft is expected to return for approval at the October 20 business meeting.