$105M Allocated For New School Construction, Additions, Renovations In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — More than $105 million has been earmarked in the fiscal year 2023 budget for school construction designed to relieve overcrowding, along with renovations and maintenance projects. This is the largest amount of funding set aside for school construction in the past 20 years and will enable the completion of the high school in Jessup, replacement of Talbott Springs Elementary and construction of an addition and renovation at Hammond high.

“Howard County is a premier place to live and grow, which is why families choose to raise their children here,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at a news conference. “Through responsible management and strong partnerships, we can now invest more than $105 million in school construction during the next year, the highest amount in more than two decades. We are building facilities that will foster excellent environments for teaching and learning.”

The historic investment also includes more than $30 million in total funding for systemic renovations, including:

• Manor Woods Elementary School HVAC and wastewater treatment plant
• Completion of the Guilford Elementary School's exterior windows and doors
• West Friendship Elementary School well
• Completion of the Jeffers Hill boiler replacement projects

HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano said the major projects including Hammond High School, Talbott Springs Elementary School and the new high school in Jessup are "critical to ensuring our buildings are safe and conducive to the instructional environment."

In Howard County, 65 of 76 schools, or 86 percent, were built before 2000 and require maintenance attention. Since 2018, Ball has increased county funding for systemic renovation by more than $20 million, which is more than 50 percent higher compared to the previous four years. The budget also fulfills requested funding for deferred maintenance, special education program needs, indoor environmental quality and school security measures.

“All of the school construction funding we’ve provided over time is critical to ensure that these projects move forward, we have to be consistent year after year,” Maryland Senator Guy Guzzone said. “This year, we’ve secured $35 million of flexible funds that will support the many needed projects for our Howard County school system to provide a great learning experience for our kids countywide. Hammond specifically has been in the works for years and I appreciate the consistent advocacy of my fellow Delegation members to make sure this project comes to completion.”