HCPSS Budget To Be Reviewed By School Board At Sept. 24 Meeting

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The proposed capital budget for the Howard County Public School System fiscal year 2021-2022 was unveiled at a recent education board meeting. The proposed $108 million capital budget, along with the $363.6 million capital improvement program and $821.7 million long-range master plan work in conjunction with the school system's operating budget, redistricting processes and health fund deficit elimination plan toward fulfilling the goals and priorities of the HCPSS strategic call to action.

The capital budget proposal addresses projected student capacity and existing facility needs in order to relieve overcrowded schools and support rapid enrollment growth, which is projected to add approximately 5,800 additional students by 2031, school officials noted. The budget reflects the priorities of the school system and community for maintaining excellence in instruction by leading with equity and closing opportunity gaps.

Notable items included in the fiscal year 2022 proposed budget include costs for a replacement of Talbott Springs Elementary School, which is scheduled to open in Aug. 2022; New High School #13, which is scheduled to open in August 2023; and a renovation and addition at Hammond High School, scheduled for completion in August 2023.

The proposed capital improvement program includes additional funding for New High School #13 and the Hammond High School project, as well as funding for a renovation and addition at Dunloggin Middle School, construction of New Elementary School #43, a renovation and addition at Oakland Mills Middle School, and systemic and ongoing projects.

The proposed long-range master plan includes funding to provide for approximately 4,000 additional seats, modernization and programmatic renovations to existing school facilities, and renovations to address deferred maintenance and additions to add needed seats at current middle school facilities.

The board has scheduled a public hearing and work session on the fiscal year 2022 capital budget and fiscal year 2023-2027 capital improvement program during its Sept. 24 7 p.m. virtual meeting and will take action immediately following the work session.

The board's proposal capital budget then will be submitted to the Howard County Planning Board and County Council for consideration. Next, project requests are submitted to the Maryland Interagency Commission on School Construction. On Feb. 11, 2021, the board will adopt its budget request, which then will be submitted to the county executive. In May 2021, the County Council will adopt the Howard County capital budget and the board will adopt the final capital budget on May 27, 2021.