Prince George's Budget Boosts Spending On Schools

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- The Prince George's County Council has adopted a $2.7 billion budget that increases spending on schools and includes bonuses for county employees.

Under the budget unanimously adopted Thursday, the public school system's operating budget will increase 3.1 percent to about $1.6 billion. School officials hope to use about $18 million to pay for raises for teachers. An additional $19 million will be used toward teacher pensions as they are shifted from the state.

The budget also includes bonuses for nearly all county employees. They will receive a $1,000 bonus in fiscal year 2012,
and another $1,250 in fiscal year 2013.

The county also approved a $2 billion capital budget on Thursday that includes $80 million for school renovation and construction.

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