Lisa’s Public Comment at the January BOE Meeting

January 14, 2026 — At the January BOE meeting, I gave public comment about the operating budget. I encourage you to watch the 3-minute video or read my speech:

My name is Lisa Maisano and I have 3 children in CCPS. I attended the recent BOE budget work sessions and as I thought about what to say tonight, I found myself reflecting on the past year. The collective anxiety was so great it felt like everyone was holding their breath as we waited to see the outcome of the operating budget and Blueprint implementation. I think it is safe to say nobody wants to go back to that feeling. Then, I thought about all the things I have learned in the past year.

First, I learned that our community places great value in education and has a great deal of attachment to our schools and the opportunities they provide. Whether it be athletics or drama, chorus or marching band, Outdoor School or the Career and Tech Center, everyone has an attachment to our schools that helps define who they are and provides inspiration on what they will become. The community demonstrated their commitment by showing up to support our schools, writing emails, and reaching out to elected officials.

Second, I learned how we got in this position of facing such drastic cuts that may impact those things that are near and dear to our school communities. Unfortunately, inflationary impacts, declining enrollment, and funding from the state adjusted for our county’s relative wealth have all played a part in bringing us to this critical point.

Third, I learned that we have a choice. We always have a choice. We could decide what things are the least painful to cut. Or we could decide to ask for what we need to keep our school system adequately funded and prevent further cuts. We can choose to take for granted our hard-working educators and staff, or we can choose to follow through with the salary increases they deserve. We are not asking for luxuries. We are just asking to not let our funding become so lean that it becomes inadequate.

Lastly, and most importantly, I have learned that sometimes the impossible is possible if someone speaks up. So, I am here, as a resident, community volunteer, parent, leader, and a new BOE candidate asking you to please bring a request to the Commissioners for more funding for our schools.

Last year when I gave public comments during budget season, I closed by saying, “The question is not if Carroll County can afford it. The question is if Carroll County can afford not to.” Revising that today, based on the lessons I have learned, I say, “The question is not if Carroll County can afford it. The question is what will Carroll County choose?” Thank you.