Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said he thinks the school district will need $2 billion to operate next year, which is $40 million more than approved a year ago. Olszewski gave his stamp of approval on a school system budget he said will address the immediate and most pressing needs of children."As we work to recover from this crisis, we know that we have an obligation to make the investments necessary to equip our students and educators with the resources they need to stay safe, to make up for lost ground and to ensure a brighter future for our children," Olszewski said.For starters, that means putting more teaching jobs back into budget, something the county teacher's union has been counting on."I've been getting so many concerns, teachers calling and saying, 'Why are we cutting these positions, our students are going to need even more help after this year of the pandemic.' So, we are thrilled to hear those positions are going to be restored," said Cindy Sexton, president of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County.In addition to funding 122 teaching positions, Olszewski also signed off on the district plan to pay for 35 new school counselors and pupil personnel workers. There is also money in the budget to add 15 minutes to the school day and make good on promises to improve staff pay in the form of step increases and mid-year cost of living raises. County school Superintendent Darryl Williams said he's eager to put many of those expected dollars to good use by the summer."What I'm focusing on is our work that we are going to do now through the summer and all through next school year. So, this budget will support us with any staffing that we need, any additional support that our students may need," Williams said.It's all part of an education plan to address district-wide student learning loss. Olszewski will officially present his third budget to the Baltimore County Council on Thursday. He said he's confident he'll get the support he needs from council members who'll have the last say on his proposed budget.Investments in the proposed budget, funding by both county general funds and federal stimulus dollars, include: Restoration of 122 teaching positions that were proposed to be cut due to declining enrollment as a result of the pandemic.Full funding for step increases and a mid-year Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for staffPaying school-based educators and administrators for an additional 15 minutes each day to support student recovery.Increased support for the Community Eligibility Provision which allows schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students.Funding for 35 new positions, including counselors and pupil personnel workers, who play an essential role in the holistic wellness of our children.Millions for middle school programs and summer school efforts.Reclassifying of the system's 24 athletic directors as 12 month employees, recognizing the dedication and time commitment that this work requires.