BCPS Budget 2028: How Arbutus Families Can Weigh In
2 November 2026
Baltimore County Public Schools is building its Fiscal Year 2028 operating budget, and Superintendent Dr. Bill Heiser is hosting Community Conversations so families can share what matters most. The closest remaining meeting to Arbutus is Thursday, November 19, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Woodlawn Middle School. You can also sign up to speak at Board of Education meetings, including the next one on Wednesday, November 4.
Whether you have kids at Arbutus Elementary, Arbutus Middle, Lansdowne High or Catonsville High, or you just care about our schools, this is your chance to be heard early in the process.
What is a BCPS Community Conversation?
A Community Conversation is an hour-long meeting where the superintendent talks about how the budget is being built and listens to feedback on priorities. BCPS says families, community members and staff are all invited.
There are five meetings across the county from October to December. The first was held October 27 at Cockeysville Middle School, and four are still ahead.
When and where are the remaining meetings?
| Date | School | Address | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, November 5 | Lyons Mill Elementary School | 9435 Lyons Mill Rd., Owings Mills 21117 | 6 to 7 p.m. |
| Tuesday, November 10 | Middle River Middle School | 800 Middle River Rd., Baltimore 21220 | 6 to 7 p.m. |
| Thursday, November 19 | Woodlawn Middle School | 3033 St. Lukes Ln., Gwynn Oak 21207 | 6 to 7 p.m. |
| Tuesday, December 1 | Loch Raven High School | 1212 Cowpens Ave., Baltimore 21286 | 6 to 7 p.m. |
None of the meetings are in southwest Baltimore County this year, so Woodlawn Middle on November 19 is the nearest option for most Arbutus, Halethorpe and Catonsville families. The online budget survey closed on October 21.
Is interpretation available at the meetings?
Yes. BCPS provides Spanish interpretation at every Community Conversation.
Interpretation in other languages is available at no cost if you ask ahead. BCPS asks families to call 443-809-1250 as early as possible to request it.
Can I speak at a Board of Education meeting?
Yes. The Board of Education meets next on Wednesday, November 4, at its Greenwood Campus, 6901 N. Charles Street, Building E, Room 114, in Towson. According to BCPS, the open session begins at about 5 p.m., the board then meets in closed session, and the open session picks back up at 6:30 p.m.
Public comment registration is done through an online form on the Board's website under "Participation by the Public." If you are not selected, a wait list sheet goes out 30 minutes before the meeting. You can also watch from home on the online Live Meeting Broadcast or BCPS-TV (Comcast Xfinity channel 1073, Verizon FiOS channel 34).
What does the school budget mean for homeowners and buyers?
School budgets touch everyone in the county, whether or not you have children in school. Decisions about staffing, buildings and programs shape our neighborhoods for years.
When buyers ask me about schools, I never rate or rank them. I point them to BCPS's own tools to look up their school boundary and encourage them to visit. If you are new to the area, my posts on the new Lansdowne High School and American Education Week visit days are good places to start, along with my Moving to Arbutus page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BCPS Fiscal Year 2028 budget?
It is the school system's operating budget for the 2027 to 2028 school year. BCPS is gathering community input now while the budget is being developed.
Which Community Conversation is closest to Arbutus?
The Woodlawn Middle School meeting on Thursday, November 19, from 6 to 7 p.m. is the closest remaining option. It is at 3033 St. Lukes Lane in Gwynn Oak.
Do I need to register for a Community Conversation?
The BCPS announcement does not mention registration for the meetings. Call 443-809-1250 ahead of time if you need interpretation in a language other than Spanish.
Can I still fill out the BCPS budget survey?
No, the survey closed on Wednesday, October 21. You can still share feedback at the remaining meetings or during public comment at Board meetings.
When is the next Board of Education meeting?
The next meeting is Wednesday, November 4, at the Greenwood Campus in Towson. The open session starts at about 5 p.m. and resumes at 6:30 p.m. after a closed session.
Disclaimer: Meeting and Board details come from Baltimore County Public Schools announcements dated 16 and 28 October 2026 and current as of 2 November 2026. Please confirm times with BCPS before you go.
Questions About Schools and Neighborhoods?
If you are thinking about buying in Arbutus and want help understanding school boundaries and neighborhoods, I am happy to walk you through it. Call or text me at 443-421-6855.
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