School Funding Ruling Could Cost Prince George's County $26M

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- Prince George's County schools could owe up to $26.8 million in penalties after Maryland's attorney general found the county failed to comply with state school funding requirements.

Last week, Superintendent William Hite indicated that falling state aid meant the county might not owe anything.

But on Monday, Hite said he has found that the county may be vulnerable because aid had increased in some categories. He says it could be devastating to the system.

School officials in Montgomery County have said they could owe $16 million to $64 million.

The two counties are waiting for the State Board of Education to decide whether to issue penalties. Prince George's County has appealed an earlier state board decision and Montgomery County leaders have threatened to sue the state.