County Executive Fitzwater Expects Lean Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
FREDERICK, Md. – Several school construction projects will move forward in the coming year, Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced today, even as the County tightens its operating budget. She unveiled highlights of her six-year Capital Improvement Program, as well as preliminary information about her Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Operating Budget. FY26 begins July 1, 2025.
“Our biggest challenge and my top priority is building new schools to accommodate growing enrollment and renovating existing facilities. Through this year’s capital budget, we will make an historic investment in school construction projects to meet these needs,” Executive Fitzwater said. “We are making budget decisions against the backdrop of chaos in Washington and a growing deficit in Annapolis. We will meet this uncertainty with a fiscally responsible spending plan that protects the core services our residents expect from Frederick County Government.”
Key Highlights
The FY 2026 budget includes substantial funding for the construction or renovation of four Frederick County Public Schools. Work can begin on these projects because of the Dedicated General Fund Reserve. These funds come from the five-cent property tax revenue set aside to improve or replace aging schools.
- Brunswick High School replacement: The budget advances the planning and design to replace the existing school, ensuring that students have access to updated facilities and resources.
- Twin Ridge Elementary School renovations: Limited renovations will improve the school's infrastructure and enhance the learning experience for students. The work will take place without interrupting classes.
- Hillcrest Elementary School renovations: A classroom pod will be added to the school, and students will be able to enter the rooms from inside the existing building. The project will be started a year earlier than planned.
- New elementary school #41: Set to open in August 2026, this new elementary school will help alleviate overcrowding in eastern Frederick County.
Public Participation
A public hearing on the budget will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, in Winchester Hall at 12 East Church Street, Frederick. Residents also can provide feedback through a budget survey, which is open until 4 p.m. on March 21. More information is available at FrederickCountyMD.gov/Budget.
Watch today's press conference here.
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