HCPSS FY23 Proposed Budget Includes Costs For New High School

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Public School System's proposed $99.5 million capital budget, $373.4 million capital improvement program and $954.9 million long-range master plan has been presented by the superintendent to the board of education. 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 3,100 additional students by 2032.

Major items included in the FY 2023 proposed budget include costs for New High School #13, scheduled to open in September 2023; a renovation and addition at Hammond High School, scheduled for completion in September 2023; systemic renovations of boilers and other equipment; and planning and design to address system needs such as special education centers and classrooms.

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, renovation and addition projects at Oakland Mills Middle School and Centennial High School, planning for New Elementary School #44, and systemic and ongoing projects.

The proposed long-range master plan includes funding to provide for approximately 4,400 additional seats, modernization and programmatic renovations to existing school facilities, and renovations to address deferred maintenance.

The board has scheduled a public hearing and work session on the FY 2023 capital budget and FY 2024-2028 capital improvement program during its Sept. 23 7 p.m. meeting and will take action immediately following the work session.