Change in school funding formula debated

Some lawmakers said Monday that the General Assembly should change a school funding formula that gives great weight to property values — and is projected to cost Baltimore millions of dollars in lost state aid for next year.

But others say a city with a waterfront ringed by pricey new buildings would have more money for schools if it hadn't handed out so many tax breaks to developers. And a key Baltimore legislator called on businesses who have gotten such breaks to consider stepping up to the plate.

"I think the business community needs to look at some of these deals and ask themselves, is there something they can be doing to help the schools?" said state Del. Maggie McIntosh, a Baltimore Democrat who is chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee.

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