$4 Billion Budget Proposed for Montgomery

School Officials Criticize Plan, Which Does Not Fully Fund Boost They Sought

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett released a record $4.14 billion spending plan yesterday that proposes more money for schools, police and fire departments, and social services without raising taxes.

The plan drew immediate complaints from school officials, who said Leggett's proposed budget shortchanged the system and could harm efforts to improve student achievement.

Leggett's proposal pares $20 million from the Board of Education's request for a $137 million increase.

Overall, Leggett's plan boosts county spending by $259 million. The County Council must approve the executive's budget for it to be adopted.

"We are very disappointed," said school board President Nancy Navarro. She said Leggett's plan -- which proposes spending $14,370 per pupil, among the highest amounts in the region -- puts at risk key programs to help low-income students, reduce class sizes and aid students who need to master English. "We are concerned that the budget will disproportionately affect children with the most needs."

Leggett (D) said at a news conference yesterday that he had given the school system nearly everything it had sought but faced tough choices as he also tried to increase funding for gang prevention, seniors, libraries, transit, fire and police, and other programs, while trying to offset a looming $200 million shortfall. The entire county budget would increase by 6.7 percent over this fiscal year's budget.

"The first operating budget of my administration sets the county on the right path for the next four years, one that will help us meet the promises we have made to taxpayers to improve services and hold the lines on taxes," Leggett said.

"I have been very concerned that increases in the last several years' budgets were, quite simply, at levels that are unsustainable. . . . In this budget, nobody got 100 percent of what they asked for. Choices must be made. I believe this budget makes the right ones."

Superintendent Jerry D. Weast declined to comment on Leggett's plan, which he discussed in a meeting with Leggett and staff members several days ago, but his spokesman said Weast was disappointed. Yesterday, school board members defended their request for more money.

Navarro said the council and Leggett will need to offer guidance in cutting the board's proposal. "This means cutting teachers or programs," predicted Patricia O'Neill (Bethesda-Chevy Chase), a veteran board member. The school system recently negotiated employment contracts that would increase salaries by $70 million. A recent council report said school spending had risen 31 percent in the past four years.

County Council member Michael Knapp (D-Upcounty), the new chairman of the council's education committee, said the panel would soon begin to examine Leggett's plan.

"We need to look at what we need to accomplish and what are the resources we need to accomplish that," Knapp said. "In all-day kindergarten, early childhood education, we know we are making good progress. . . . I am pretty sure we don't want to see that investment frittered away."

Council member George L. Leventhal (D-At large), chairman of the council's health and human services committee, was "anticipating a torrent of communication from the PTA and the teachers" but said Leggett had offered the schools "a significant increase."

Leventhal said a new political dynamic is affecting schools: several new council members and the departure of longtime education committee Chairman Michael L. Subin (D-At large), a close Weast ally, who was defeated last year. "It is significantly different from the past, when often the assumption was, 'Let's defer to the superintendent and the school board, and let's make up the difference,' " Leventhal said.

Leventhal praised Leggett for adding $10 million to a fund to increase moderate-income housing and for adding money to help people without health insurance. The library system, which his committee oversees, also "does pretty well," he said, under a proposal to raise spending to increase weekend hours and add to collections.

He agreed with Leggett's decision to keep property tax increases at the rate of inflation. "This isn't the year for a tax increase." Homes valued at $475,000 or less will receive a $613 property tax credit under the plan.

County Council President Marilyn Praisner (D-Eastern County), a former school board member and PTA president, praised Leggett's plan. "There is a lot for kids that isn't in the school system's budget but is in the health and human services budget, transportation and recreation. People should look at everything we are doing for children," she said.