By the 2010-11 school year, three Anne Arundel public schools will be completely renovated and a fourth replaced with a new building.
Part of the cost for these projects could consume nearly a third of a proposed fiscal 2009 capital budget, which the school board approved.
“The majority of our buildings are in dire need of renovations, repairs or replacements,” School Board President Tricia Johnson said.
“Elementary schools are more manageable. It?s few and far in-between where we can do a middle school.”
The schools to undergo total renovations and additions are Severna Park Middle, Southgate Elementary and Lake Shore Elementary schools.
“A total renovation is stripping a building done to its skeleton, said Alex Szachnowicz, the school system?s chief facility officer.
“It includes replacing the electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems and getting new roofs, floor coverings, lights and new technology wiring.”
Freetown Elementary School will get a brand-new building.
The $56.2 million Severna Park Middle project is expected to begin in the spring and includes classroom additions, a new cafeteria and kitchen addition, a new health area, and expanded library and media center, Szachnowicz said.
The $28.3 million Southgate Elementary project also is expected to begin in the spring and includes additional classrooms and a new gym.
“The fact that we can have ongoing classes, and not have to stop for lunch, will be a huge benefit for the school,” Southgate Principal Jane George said.
“There will be new floors and windows? just like when you get new carpeting at home, it?ll be nice.”
The $23.3 million Lake Shore Elementary School project started this month, with work expected to be completed by the winter of 2008-09.
The main part of this project is the construction of a standalone gym, Szachnowicz said.
Now, a common space is shared for the cafeteria, stage, gym and assemblies.
The construction of a new modern Freetown Elementary is expected to cost $27.5 million and begin next year.
“The big thing is having more space and up-to-date, state-approved technology,” Freetown Principal Shirley Moaney said.
There will be more computers, and students and teachers will have greater access to DVDs and cable television, she said.
BY THE NUMBERS
The largest construction projects in the proposed $188.8 million fiscal 2009 capital budget are:
» Severna Park Middle School renovation and addition: $20 million
» Southgate Elementary School renovation and addition: $15 million
» Freetown Elementary School replacement school: $11.5 million
» Lake Shore Elementary School renovation and addition: 9.8 million
Source: Anne Arundel County Public Schools
