The Anne Arundel County Board of Education left the fate of Severna Park Middle School in limbo, against the urging of Superintendent Kevin Maxwell.
The board was faced with choosing whether to replace the school, perform major or moderate renovations, or leave it as is.
Maxwell asked the board to make a decision during Monday?s board meeting, because one application for state money to improve the school is due by next week.
At nearly 40 years old, the middle school has problems such as classrooms that are smaller than state-and county-recommended sizes, said Principal Sharon Morell.
The school “is like a dump, like a prison. It?s dark and dingy,” said Keeley West-Liney, the parent of a former Severna Park Middle School student.
More than 20 Severna Park parents showed up at the meeting, wearing yellow armbands to show their support for major renovations to the building.
Some spoke formally to the board, while others shouted from their seats. Many complained that details about the possible changes were first made available on the board?s Web site Thursday.
The board equivocated constantly during the three hours ofdebate. It voted three times not to postpone the decision. Then it voted against major renovations to the building. After that, it voted against replacing the building. Debate finally came to a standstill, and the board chose not to make any decision about the proposed changes.
The issue could be brought up again during the Dec. 20 board meeting, said board vice president Eugene Peterson.
Board Member Victor Bernson Jr. said extra time would allow the board to hold public meetings so residents can voice their concerns.
Board members debated the merits of three proposals.
Maxwell recommended completing moderate renovations, which would include relocating the cafeteria and replacing heat, electricity and plumbing. That would cost about $46 million, said Acting Director of Facilities for Anne Arundel County Public Schools Alex Szachnowicz.
A proposal for major renovations would expand each of the school?s 39 academic classrooms by about 100 square feet and update the heating, electricity and plumbing. The plan would cost about $56 million, Szachnowicz said.
Building a new school on athletic fields that are closer to Jumpers Hill Road would cost about $58 million, Szachnowicz said.
