The Howard County Public Schools System now is requesting $50 million for the entire renovation of Mount Hebron High School, but some parents are afraid they?ve walked down this path before with no success.
“We?re concerned the money is the same amount as the option that was already rejected by the board earlier this year,” said Cindy Ardinger, chairwoman of Help Mount Hebron, a group of parents and teachers fighting for renovations at the school.
“Nothing?s changed and it?s still an unknown now what?s going to be fixed.”
Renovations now are expected to include interior mechanical equipment, plumbing and wiring upgrades, and a new sprinkler system, according to the proposal.
A $50 million renovation plan unveiled by Superintendent Sydney Cousin was rejected by the board earlier this year, because it didn?t fully address all the concerns at Mount Hebron.
Out of a total $50 million project cost, Roey said the school system is now recommending $27 million for construction for the 2009 fiscal year that begins July 1. The school system is recommending the remaining construction money for the 2010 fiscal year.
The proposed funding is in response to this summer?s assessment by Gilbert Architects, which found a high number of deferred maintenance at the high school, maintenance that isn?t essential but should be completed, said Ken Roey, the school system?s executive director of facilities planning and management.
A design team will work with the school?s planning committee to explore options ranging from renovations to a new building, Roey said.
But some residents said they are concerned some project aspect would be left out because of inadequate funding.
“Now what?s going to happen if the needs, after the analysis, turns out to be $55 million?” said Steve Lucchesi, an engineer on the Help Mount Hebron committee.
