Photo Courtesy PGCEDC
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Ingrid S. Watson
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Announces Ingrid S. Watson as President and Chief Executive Officer
By PRESS OFFICER
PGC Economic Development Corporation
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (Jan. 20, 2026)—Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) announced the appointment of Ingrid S. Watson as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 16, 2026.
Ms. Watson joins PGCEDC following her service as the Prince George’s County Council Member representing District 4, where she advanced policies supporting economic opportunity, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and community well-being.
PGCEDC also welcomes Ms. Watson back to the organization, where she previously served in the Workforce Services Division prior to its transition to Employ Prince George’s, playing an integral role in the visioning and development of workforce programs, services, and outreach that connect residents with employment opportunities and support business growth.
“Ingrid Watson brings a deep understanding of Prince George’s County and a strong record of public service to this role,” said Orlan Johnson, Chair of the PGCEDC Board of Directors. “Her prior experience within PGCEDC, combined with her leadership on the County Council and her deep knowledge of workforce development and economic policy, provides valuable perspective as we continue our work to support businesses, create jobs, and promote inclusive economic growth.”
Ms. Watson brings more than 30 years of experience serving Prince George’s County across local government, economic development, workforce initiatives, and government affairs. In addition to her service on the County Council, she previously served as an. At-Large Council Member of the City of Bowie and as an elected member of the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee. Her professional experience also includes serving as Government Affairs Manager for Children’s National Hospital and Outreach and Communications Manager for Employ Prince George’s.
During her tenure on the County Council, Ms. Watson focused on responsive constituent services and championed initiatives supporting workforce and education pipelines, infrastructure improvements, environmental sustainability, fiscal responsibility, public health, public safety, healthcare access, and support for seniors, youth, nonprofits, and small businesses. She served as Chair of the Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee, where she helped oversee a $5.8 billion County budget, and as a member of the Education and Workforce Development Committee and the Health, Human Services, and Public Safety Committee. She also chaired the Accessory Dwelling Unit Task Force and represented the Council on the Council of Governments Board of Directors and the Prince George’s County Workforce Board.
“I am honored to return to the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation and to serve as President and CEO,” said Watson. “Having previously worked within PGCEDC and spent my career focused on workforce development, economic growth, and community engagement, I understand the critical role the organization plays in supporting existing businesses, attracting new businesses, and expanding opportunities across our County. I look forward to working with County leadership, the business community, and regional partners to continue building a strong, inclusive economy that benefits all Prince George’s County residents and businesses.”
As President & CEO, Ms. Watson will lead PGCEDC’s strategic vision and day-to-day operations, with a focus on business attraction and retention, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector partnerships that position Prince George’s County as a competitive and welcoming destination for investment. Her leadership will advance PGCEDC’s mission of strengthening communities through business development and job creation.
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC)’s mission is to cultivate and promote a strong local economy supporting entrepreneurs’ and businesses’ growth and prosperity. It is dedicated to strengthening communities through business development and job creation. For more information about Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation’s services to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com
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M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Launches “Pastport to History” for America’s 250th Celebration
Explore, discover, and learn the lived experiences of Prince Georgians
By PRESS OFFICER
M-NCPPC
RIVERDALE, Md. (Jan. 20, 2026)—In honor of America’s 250th Birthday, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County invites the community to embark on a journey through time with the Pastport to History. This exciting initiative encourages residents and visitors to explore historic sites across the county, discovering the real stories of the people who built and shaped the community.
At each M-NCPPC historic site, guests will receive a stamp in their Pastport booklet. Collect all seven stamps and enter a drawing for a free trip to any National Trust for Historic Preservation site you choose. The drawing will take place on December 31, 2026.
To make this celebration accessible to all admission to M-NCPPC historic sites and museums will be free throughout 2026. Visitors can enjoy exhibits, programs, and discover how the past connects to the present.
To learn more about the Pastport to History experience and see the stories behind Prince George’s County historic sites, watch the Pastport to History video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i3EnU-3BSU
To learn more about the Department of Parks and Recreation’s history, events, and the Pastport to History visit https://www.pgparks.com/event_list/250
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PGCPS Releases FY27 Proposed Budget Focused on Stability, Classroom Protection, and Student Outcomes
$3.0B proposal follows historic cuts, avoids layoffs, and invests in special education, literacy, and school safety
By PRESS OFFICER
PGCPS
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (Jan. 22, 2026)—Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) today released its $3 billion Proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, a fiscally disciplined plan that cuts $150 million while protecting classroom instruction, stabilizing the workforce, and accelerating student outcomes.
The FY27 proposal is not an expansion budget. It is a stabilization budget, developed after the largest single-year reduction in district history. Over the past year, PGCPS eliminated long-term vacancies, reduced central office and contracted costs, exhausted one-time reserves, and absorbed a $95 million investment in employee compensation to bring salaries closer to regional standards.
“These cuts came first,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph. “But we also know we cannot cut our way to excellence. This budget stabilizes our system, protects classrooms, and makes targeted investments so every child, regardless of zip code, has access to opportunity and high expectations.”
Protecting Educators and Classrooms
The proposed budget rejects furloughs and salary freezes and does not lay off active classroom teachers. Workforce savings are achieved primarily by eliminating long-term vacant positions and reducing non-classroom costs. Parent engagement and student support positions are preserved by shifting eligible roles to stable grant funding.
Targeted Adjustments, Student Protections
Based on enrollment trends and funding formulas, the proposal includes planned transitions in select specialty programs with low participation, including AVID, some immersion programs, and certain International Baccalaureate offerings. Current students will be supported through transitions, while instructional quality is maintained through expanded college and career readiness services, flexible world language pathways, and sustained IB instructional practices embedded in the district curriculum.
Strategic Investments to Improve Outcomes
Even amid reductions, the FY27 proposal makes high-impact investments where student needs are greatest:
• $27 million for Special Education to ensure legal compliance, close service gaps, and reduce costly out-of-district placements
• $1.2 million for Reading and Math interventions
• $4.3 million for Safety and Security enhancements
• $1.3 million for AI literacy and operational efficiency
View FY27 Budget Snapshot for a detailed breakdown of investments and reductions: https://www.pgcps.org/globalassets/offices/budget-and-management-services/docs---budget/2027-operating-budget-snapshot.pdf
View FAQs on the FY27 Proposed Operating Budget: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/budget-and-management-services/fy2027-budget/faq-understanding-the-fy2027-pgcps-budget-proposal
“The Board is committed to responsible stewardship and transparency,” said Branndon Jackson, President of the Board of Education. “This proposed budget reflects that balance—protecting instruction, honoring workforce commitments, and addressing critical student needs while engaging the community throughout the process.”
Unified Leadership and Workforce Stability
Educators welcomed the focus on stability.
“Protecting salaries, avoiding furloughs, and preventing layoffs of classroom teachers are crucial for recruitment and retention, and this budget prioritizes that,” said Dr. Donna Christy, President of the Prince George’s County Educators’ Association. “There are still difficult decisions that have to be made, but this proposal reflects a shared vision of workforce stability, ensuring educators can focus on student success.”
Next Steps
The FY27 budget is proposed, not final. The Board of Education will hold public work sessions and hearings in February 2026 before adopting the requested budget and transmitting it to Prince George’s County.
Families, staff, and community members are encouraged to follow updates and participate through the PGCPS Budget Information Portal.
Learn more about the FY27 budget development process: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/budget-and-management-services/fy2027-budget
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), one of the nation’s 20th largest school districts, has 201 schools and centers, more than 133,000 students and nearly 20,000 employees. The school system serves a diverse student population from urban, suburban and rural communities. PGCPS is nationally recognized for college and career-readiness programs that provide students with unique learning opportunities, including dual enrollment and language immersion.
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Adventist HealthCare Joins the Support Education Foundation to Warm Hearts and Hands of Local Students
By PRESS OFFICER
Support Education Foundation, ESFCU
GAITHERSBURG, Md. (Jan. 20, 2026)—The Support Education Foundation, a nonprofit established by Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, is proud to announce a meaningful collaboration with the Adventist HealthCare Community Partnership Fund. Adventist HealthCare has committed $2,500 to sponsor the Foundation’s Warming Hearts and Hands initiative to help students in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.
The Warming Hearts and Hands initiative distributes thousands of kits each winter, filled with new hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and socks to K–12 and community college students in need. These items are more than just winter wear; they are essential tools that help students stay warm, healthy and focused on their education during the coldest months of the year. This effort directly addresses the social and resource insecurity that often leads to health outcome disparities.
“We are incredibly grateful to Adventist HealthCare for joining us in this mission of care and compassion,” said Kristy Mathey, Board Chair of the Support Education Foundation. “For many students, a warm pair of gloves or a cozy scarf can be the difference between arriving ready to learn or needing a moment to recover from the cold before fully engaging.”
The winter clothing kits are distributed in close collaboration with Title I school staff, ensuring that the most vulnerable students are prioritized. These moments of giving are filled with smiles, hugs and heartfelt thanks—a testament to the difference a community can make when it comes together.
“The initiative is a natural fit for our commitment to addressing the crucial social determinants of health, particularly poverty and resource insecurity, that lead to health disparities in our service area,” stated Gina Maxham, the Director of Community Benefit and Engagement at Adventist HealthCare. “Ensuring children are warm and healthy is a fundamental step toward removing barriers to their education and long-term well-being.”
Through partnerships like this, the Support Education Foundation and Adventist HealthCare are proving that warmth, care and community can truly change lives—one pair of mittens at a time.
Adventist HealthCare supports programs that improve health and wellness for residents in the communities served by the organization. Through its Community Partnership Fund, Adventist HealthCare is committed to supporting local organizations that address health disparities and the social determinants of health, with a focus on specific counties.
The Support Education Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) established by Educational Systems FCU in 2017, supports students and school employees through charitable giving programs. Learn more at https://SupportEducation.org
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