The Howard County School Board could cut funding for work needed at two of the county?s oldest schools if the County Council doesn?t fully fund the School Board?s capital budget.
Howard County Executive James Robey had proposed his school capital budget, but even with $5 million in state funding, it falls nearly $15 million short of the $99.9 million sought by the School Board.
If the gap is not filled, the School Board is prepared to fund $4.3 million to begin Worthington Elementary?s Phase 1 renovation, but would only cover Clarksville Middle School?s cafeteria expansion. The board needs $6.7 million for Clarksville Middle, but is short by $3.6 million.
However, some board members are concerned about older schools falling behind in needed renovations.
“It?s time to draw a line in the sand and say, ?We have to fund the older schools,? ” School Board Member Courtney Watson said at Thursday?s board meeting.
“Just because we?re not opening new schools doesn?t mean that the needs are any less,” said Joshua Kaufman, board chairman.
Extensive work is needed at Worthington Elementary and Clarksville Middle, built in 1976 and 1979, respectively, including modernizing the schools? lighting, electrical and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, according to the School Board?s proposed capital budget.
The other projects that could be cut if the County Council doesn?t close the funding gap in the capital budget are:
» $1.1 million for a new maintenance facility;
» $900,000 for a plan assessing the educational needs of older schools compared to new ones;
» $9 million for the Old Cedar Lane addition and renovation.
If you go
» The Howard County Council is holding a public hearing on the school system?s capital budget at 9 a.m. May 6 at the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City. School Board members say they want the community to attend the meeting to express their support for fully funding the school system?s capital budget. School Board members are gathering at the building at 8:30 a.m. before the hearing.
