School Budget Request Cut by $27M Despite Scheduled Renovations

By Allie Aylward

Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent George Arlotto has made some cuts to the proposed 2016 fiscal year capital budget, while keeping plans to renovate or replace nine schools.

The request allocates nearly $101 million to the following renovation projects, in priority order:

• • Rolling Knolls Elementary replacement, $15 million
  • Benfield Elementary revitalization, $14.6 million
  • West Annapolis Elementary modernization, $9.7 million
  • Severna Park High replacement, $48.5 million
  • Manor View Elementary design, $2.4 million
  • High Point Elementary design, $3 million
  • George Cromwell Elementary design, $2 million
  • Jessup Elementary design, $2.7 million
  • Arnold Elementary design, $2.6 million

The State Board of Education will review his recommendations for the capital budget for the 2016 fiscal year, alongside plans for allocation through 2012. The $163.4 million budget allots the vast majority of its money to school revitalization, modernization, and additions, with the most extensive renovation project happening at Severna Park High School, according to a press release from AACPS.

In addition, the budget includes $11 million for prekindergarten and kindergarten additions at Eastport and Georgetown East elementary schools and the West Meade Early Education Center; $6 million for gymnasium additions at Woodside and Millersville elementary schools; and $5 million for open space classroom enclosures at Glen Burnie High School.

Arlotto’s request comes in about $27 million below former Superintendent Maxwell’s recommendation for 2015. Details of both budgetary plans reveal cuts across the entire scope of the Anne Arundel County school system.

While the public will not have a chance to comment on the budget request at the public workshop that the board of education has scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Parham Building in Annapolis, residents are encouraged to testify at the public hearing to be held on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.

Image via The Associated Press