Frederick County - School Construction Master Plan Workgroup (HB1016 and SB 1152)


 

‼️ Brunswick High School is in a crisis ‼️ 


The students are okay, but the physical structure they walk into to learn is NOT okay.  

    There have been many delays and the community is obviously upset.  And this is not the only school in need of repair.  When there is discussion about why more money is spent on Frederick County students than counterparts in other counties.... this is why.  Our population and development is leaps and bounds ahead of the ability of the county and FCPS to keep up with school construction to accommodate new students every year.  Efforts to slow down development while we catch up have stalled.

    As a result, a work group between FCPS and the County was recently formed to address school construction issues and seek legislative solutions for additional funding. Despite the mission to seek possible legislation and the split cost for construction being roughly 60% state and 40% county funds, the work group does not include state delegates or a member of the IAC. There is a $1.325 billion backlog of capital maintenance and renewal, and the county has experienced almost a 10% growth rate. The focus of construction in the last 30 years has been on elementary schools, with 4 high schools built between 1962-1975 due for replacement. The Brunswick community has advocated for a new high school for 5 years, being told it was not possible due to state funding until the state became involved recently. The inclusion of all stakeholders is crucial to finding solutions for FCPS's facilities crisis.

    Because of the hard work of this School Construction Financing Ad Hoc Workgroup, House Bill 1016 and State Bill 1152  - Frederick County - School Construction Master Plan Workgroup, is making its way through the Maryland State House "requiring the Workgroup to comprehensively evaluate all school facility needs in Frederick County and report its findings and recommendations to certain Frederick County officials, the Interagency Commission on School Construction and the Frederick County House and Senate Delegations by December 31, 2024."


🏛️ Take a look at the bill and track its progress through the legislative process. 🏛️

⚠️ Here is the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan that goes into detail of where we are currently and the challenges we face moving forward.    https://shorturl.at/dszO7


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