New Elementary School Will Be Near Turf Valley

ELLICOTT CITY, MD - From Howard County Government: Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman has reached an agreement to buy a 12-acre site in western Ellicott City in Turf Valley, enabling the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) to plan for a future elementary school that will help relieve severe overcrowding at the elementary school level.

Kittleman said the purchase was fast-tracked to address concerns expressed by the school system and the community about overcrowding at a number of elementary schools across the county. With this acquisition, HCPSS will have an opportunity to make changes to its Capital Improvements Program. Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano requested the County’s help to purchase the property in May 2017.

“After speaking with Dr. Martirano, we have been in discussions with the property owner to make this purchase to help address the anticipated long-term student population growth in our elementary schools,” said Kittleman. “The redistricting process underscored the urgency to accelerate this purchase and I am glad that we have been able to take this step now.”

Kittleman, who has made education funding a top priority, has also committed to accelerating the building of a 13th high school to relieve overcrowding and provide a long-term solution for high school capacity needs.

“I am committed to continuing our collaborative relationship with HCPSS so that we can continue to provide a high level of education for all students regardless of ZIP Code,” added Kittleman.

The county will acquire the site, located on Resort Road, for $5.75 million, pending County Council approval. Mangione Family Enterprises of Turf Valley is selling the property below appraised value because it also recognizes the need for a school in that area. The County will enter into a purchase and sales agreement following an updated appraisal.

Martirano praised the purchase agreement, saying the county has continually been supportive in taking steps to ease overcrowding in schools.

“Our partnership with county government has helped us accelerate several projects to support equitable learning opportunities for every student,” said Martirano. “We have needed an elementary school site in the Ellicott City area to relieve overcrowding at existing schools. Combined with the acceleration of a new high school in the east, the replacement and expansion of Talbott Springs Elementary in Columbia, and the use of innovative programmatic offerings such as JumpStart, the Turf Valley school site will ensure that we have the necessary capacity across the county to support long-term student enrollment growth.”

Howard County School Board chair Cindy Vaillancourt said the purchase is a positive step that will help with the redistricting process.

“We’ve moved forward with the attendance area adjustment process in a very deliberate and thoughtful way, prioritizing long term stability for our schools and minimizing disruption of communities,” said Vaillancourt. “I am so pleased that the County has reached an agreement to purchase a school site in Ellicott City. This news will certainly impact our discussion as we move into the final stages of the redistricting process.”

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