With school back in session in Prince George’s County, the focus is on academics amid budget cuts

This article is part of WTOP’s 2026 Back to School coverage. Heading into the new school year, Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Taylor spoke with WTOP about the challenges and triumphs ahead for the school system. What are you most looking forward to during the upcoming 2026-27 academic year?

We are building on last year’s academic performance success and will translate more of our ‘Future Ready’ strategic plan commitments into direct, visible support inside every classroom. We look forward to expanding equitable access to high-quality academic and specialty programs across all regions of our county and strengthening core instructional support in math and literacy. Related stories As school starts in Fairfax County, the challenge facing ‘one of the largest school bus fleets in the nation’ Back to school: Hear from Howard County’s superintendent Back to school: Hear from Loudoun County Public Schools superintendent Above all, we are eager to continue deepening trust and partnership with our community as we empower every student to thrive.

What is the biggest challenge your school district is facing during the upcoming 2026-27 academic year? Our primary challenge for the 2026-27 school year is balancing a tight economic landscape with an urgent obligation to deliver exceptional educational outcomes. There are two critical challenges this year: Generational delays to capital projects, where our school system infrastructure is literally crumbling around us, and rising operational costs that demand disciplined prioritization and tough decision-making.

Despite these challenges, our resolve is unchanged: We remain steadfast in our commitment to meet students where they are, deliver high-quality learning experiences and prioritize funding directly in the classroom. What impact, if any, do you expect federal funding cuts to have on your school system for the upcoming 2026-27 school year? Federal funding reductions disproportionately affect our most vulnerable students.

In line with trends across Maryland, potential cuts risk impacting Title I equity initiatives, mental and behavioral health services, special education, (English) multilingual learner (EML) supports and critical after-school programming. We are preparing for this to continue and have developed systems of care to prevent serious service impacts to our kids and families; however, t… Heading into the new school year, WTOP sent questionnaires and requested interviews with school leaders across the D.C.

Here’s Prince George’s Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph on the challenges facing his school district as the academic year begins. Joseph: We are looking forward to welcoming back our families, students and staff.