Warriors Needed for New High School Push: Councilman

After years of advocating for a new high school, Havre de Grace City Councilman David Glenn said Wednesday: “We have come too far” to let the project go.

Last spring, the state agreed to provide funding to plan the new middle and high school; however, the new county executive said that he will temporarily defer large new capital projects.

“In the near term, my administration is streamlining county operations to live within our means...” County Executive Barry Glassman said in a statement with his budget proposal last month.

The County Council, which has the authority to push back on the budget proposal, is holding a public input session Wednesday, an opportunity Glenn said Havre de Grace citizens should seize.

“The very first hearing was poorly attended and only five people spoke,” Glenn said in an email Wednesday morning.

Residents who spoke advocated for continued library funding and transparency in the Humane Society of Harford County, The Aegis reported.

“The County Council felt that based on poor attendance, no one truly has any major issues,” Glenn noted.

“Needless to say, I will be in attendance tonight and plan to speak on behalf of our students. I feel we have come too far over the last three years,” said Glenn, who graduated from Havre de Grace High School in 1975. “I got to believe if they can look out into the audience and see a sea of maroon, it could only help our cause.”

Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti, who graduated in the HHS class of 1985, replied that strong attendance would impact how lawmakers consider the project in the budget.

“...it is very important for anyone who can attend tonight do so and go on the record in support as a Harford County citizen,” Lisanti said. “The power of the public will have a greater influence on the outcome. If you can’t attend tonight‘s meeting, I would suggest an email or letter to the County Council.”

The budget hearing will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at Harford Technical High School, 200 Thomas Run Road.

Those who cannot make it may submit their testimony to council@harfordcountycouncil.com.

More on the Effort to Build a New Havre de Grace High School:

• ‘Students in the HdG Community Deserve the Same Opportunities’: Glenn
• Glassman Issues 8 Executive Orders to Streamline County Government
• Sneak Peek at New Havre de Grace Middle/High School
• Maryland Comptroller Visits HHS
• Second Consecutive HHS Alum to Serve as County Executive
• Harford County School Board Approves Plan for HdG Middle/High School
• Glenn: Six Reasons Why New High School is Needed
• State Provides Funding for HdG Middle/High School Project

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Pictured, stage before the dedication of Harris Stadium at Havre de Grace High School. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.