Construction For 3 Elementary Schools Could Be Fast-Tracked

EDGEWATER-DAVIDSONVILLE, MD - From the Office of the Anne Arundel County Executive: County Executive Steve Schuh today announced an additional proposed FY2019 supplemental budget plan accelerating construction funding for Edgewater, Tyler Heights, and Richard Henry Lee Elementary, while at the same time preserving critical initiatives like the proposed county land acquisition program.

“We believe this plan addresses the community’s concerns regarding the funding of the three elementary schools most in need of repair and replacement,” said Schuh. “Even better, our plan does not balance our budget on the backs on future school and park planning in the County.”

The County Executive’s proposal would include:

• Allocating an additional $36 million in funding to accelerate construction in FY2019 for Edgewater, Tyler Heights, and Richard Henry Lee Elementary schools
• Creating a fast-tracked construction time table for these projects, with occupancy dates of September 2021
• Investing $1.3 million to upgrade Dragun Science Building at Anne Arundel Community College
• $2.8 million in accelerated funding for air conditioning system upgrades at Annapolis Middle School
• Allocating $150,000 for upgrades to Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis

County Board of Education President Julie Hummer called Schuh's announcement a great day for the parents, students, and staff at all three of these schools "who have patiently waited their turn to have their outdated buildings transformed into first class schoolhouses. This funding allows us to put shovels in the ground this summer and begin to turn these dreams into reality.”

And Superintendent George Arlotto said in a statement, “It has always been important to us to approach these three schools as a block so that one community is not viewed as receiving preference over the other. This additional funding made available by the County Executive moves each of these projects ahead a full year and hastens the day when thousands more students will be educated in state-of-the-art facilities.”

“Since 1972, my constituents have been waiting for this much needed renovation,” said Councilman John Grasso. “This proposal ensures students at Richard Henry Lee Elementary will get the school they deserve.”

The County Executive’s supplement budget plan will be submitted to the County Council June 8th.

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