In 2012, Northeast High School could become the first new high school in Anne Arundel in 30 years.
“I knew we truly needed to accelerate the process when the media center computer lab was powering down when the social studies teacher on the other side of the wall used the microwave,” said Principal Kathy Kubic.
“We are just tickled pink at the prospect of providing people in the Pasadena community with a premier high school.”
The school board on Thursday approved the proposed number of classrooms and other spaces for the proposed $92 million replacement school as well as the engineering and architectural services to conduct a feasibility study.
The last new high school in Anne Arundel was Broadneck in 1982.
“[Northeast] was built at a time when instruction was delivered in a vastly different way,” said Alex Szachnowicz, the school system?s chief facility officer. “The new school will be organized in a better way. We don?t want the music room next to the media center.”
One of the goals is to have one computer for every student.
The feasibility study will lay the groundwork for the design and determine if the budgeted new school is more appropriate than massive renovations to the existing school, Szachnowicz said.
In the proposed 2009 fiscal year capital budget, $6.5 million is set aside for design work for the school.
School board members said they wanted to let the public know that Northeast High was selected to be the first renovated or new high school because of a 2006 study by MGT of America Inc., a national management research and consulting firm that found Northeast was the high school most in need of renovations.
“I think it?s important that we continue to follow the MGT study,” said board member Victor Bernson Jr.
Kubic said enrollment at the school, built in 1964, is now 1,467 students.
Proposed enrollment in a new building in 2012 is 1,419, according to school officials. The school will have a state-rated capacity of 1,623 students.
FAST FACTS
Construction of the proposed Northeast High School replacement school is set to begin May 2010, with the school opening August 2012.
Source: Anne Arundel County Public Schools
