Mount Hebron High School is most in need of repairs, according to a facilities assessment of Howard County?s four oldest high schools.
The county?s school board discussed the findings Thursday, but no solution was determined.
“We hear what kids go through every day. Students have pictures of rats running through classrooms,” said Cindy Ardinger, Help Mount Hebron group chair.
Rodent infestation, faulty plumbing and sewage leaks forced Mount Hebron to consider renovations or replacement.
“We?re certainly not prepared to make the decision yet,” board member Ellen Giles said. “This report was just to get an idea of these four schools.”
The board plans to make a decision during the capital budget process in September once they hear the staff?s latest recommendations, said Frank Aquino, vice chair of the board.
The assessment, conducted by Gilbert Architects Inc., compared Atholton, Centennial, Hammond and Mount Hebron high schools. Mount Hebron was worst overall in interior and exterior condition and in fire safety, the report said.
Prior to the assessment, Superintendent Sydney Cousin recommended a $50 million renovation project. The other option was an $80 million replacement.
The findings won?t affect Cousin?s renovation plan, said Ken Roey, the school system?s executive director of facilities and management. Some parents don?t agree.
“The $50 million renovation would leave huge parts of the school untouched and doesn?t address all the problems. It?s not enough, it?s the minimum,” Ardinger said.
The Help Mount Hebron group completed their own assessment report, which will be released Tuesday, and there were several differences in findings.
“The plumbing issues needed to be explored further,” Ardinger said. Their report also found the school?s hallways inhibit quick exiting in a fire. The group wants the safety issues fixed before the next school year starts.
