ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold says school funding is forcing other departments in the county government to forgo money, including police.

Leopold met with citizens in Pasadena after two teens were charged in the shooting death of a 21-year-old man. According to published reports, he told residents the school board was squeezing other departments.

Leopold tells The Baltimore Sun he wishes he had more money for police because an increased police presence makes a difference.

Anne Arundel schools spokesman Bob Mosier says Leopold’s comments are intended to pit schools against police. He says that’s misguided and irresponsible. Mosier says the school system is not a county agency.

Leopold says the school budget has grown from 40 percent of the county’s budget to 52 percent over 20 years.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)