ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) — Montgomery County school officials say they would have to cut 600 teachers and increase class sizes if lawmakers in Annapolis approve Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposal to shift teacher pension costs to the counties.
Board of Education President Shirley Brandman told the County Council on Tuesday that class sizes could increase by an average of 2.4 students per class. She says that would be the result if the school system has to pay $38 million in pension costs in the 2013 fiscal year.
Prince George’s County officials say they’re also worried the shift would lead to cuts in the workforce and services.
Other counties have rallied against the proposal, too. Harford County officials said Monday that cuts would be inevitable.
O’Malley is trying to close a $1.1 billion budget gap.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
