Following a policy change and some heated discussion, the Kent County Board of Education in a split vote earlier this month approved spending down its contingency fund as part of the budget process for fiscal year 2026. The Evening Enterprise reports Option B, which was presented by Superintendent Mary McComas at the May 5 special meeting, would preserve 16 employee positions for the 2025-26 academic year and would use more of the board’s contingency fund to help fill the funding gap.