So far, the Harford County school system will receive only 61 percent of the money wanted for building improvements next year, school officials said at Monday?s Board of Education meeting.
With an aging school system and the worst funding per student of any county in the state, officials laid out the 42 Capital Improvement Projects for 2008 that are eligible for state funding. Nearly $140 million was requested, but only about $85 million has been granted. They asked for almost $59 million from the state, which is set to give about $16 million.
“I don?t want to be overly dramatic, but we?re heading towards a very ugly situation here,” said Joseph Licata, acting chief of administration. “With the aging infrastructure, we?re just simply not going to have the people to repair them.”
Eleven projects failed to gain county or state funding. Most significant of those was the Aberdeen CEO building, next to Aberdeen High School. The county did not grant any of the $7.15 million requested for air conditioning and other renovations to the building, which is mainly office space.
Insulating buildings so heat or air conditioning cannot escape through leaky window panels was a main concern.
“To the extent that we delay these, we?re losing more and more money every year,” Board of Education President Mark Wolkow said.
Supervisor of Planning and Construction Kathleen Sanner agreed, but there simply wasn?t enough money.
“The money we do get is really to put out the fires that are out there,” she said.
The board can request any additional money needed from the “end-of-year fund” following recommendations from school officials, Wolkow said.
“Our puzzle has pieces that this year and for the next five to seven years ?probably more than any other year ? needs to fit together,” Licata said.
