Education Advocates Ask Gov. Hogan For More Money

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Education advocates for city school funding say the money just doesn't add up.

A call to Governor Hogan to fill a $25-million hole in the school budget went out today.

Political reporter Pat Warren explains why those millions are going away.

The state education funding formula based on the wealth of the district and the rate of enrollment determines how much money schools get.

Baltimore's wealth is up, its enrollment is down, and that means less money.

Today's math word is money

Education advocates ask Hogan to supplement $25 million city schools may lose due to changes in tax base and enrollment.

Dozens of students, teachers, and parents delivered postcards to Governor Hogan's office last year.

The Baltimore Education Coalition sent a letter again this year again requesting funding reductions resulting from the city's wealth and declining enrollment put back in the budget.

"We're going to be testifying and asking the legislature to support us," said Frank Patinella, Baltimore Education Coalition.

And in advance of the State of the State Mayor Rawlings-Blake made an appeal.

"When the governor saw Baltimore was burning he felt compelled to come and save us. But we have problems with education," said Rawlings-Blake.

But Governor Hogan this month emphasized education spending already at better than ever levels.

But Baltimore parents feel their kids are shortchanged.

"Sure I do, sure I do. When I look at the resources available in the surrounding counties and the resources available to my children's school, it's not equal," said Karen Decamp, city school parent.

Decamp says Baltimore kids can't afford cuts.

Advocates promise to fight as if their kids' lives depend on it, because to them, they do.

The Baltimore Education Coalition is asking for the governor to submit a supplemental budget to offset the loss.