Anne Arundel Schools Propose $120 Million for New Facilities
Anne Arundel County Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell has proposed a significant investment of nearly $120 million for new school construction in the Old Mill Cluster. This recommendation is part of the capital budget presented to the school board, which totals approximately $230.2 million, marking an increase of $26 million compared to the previous year.
The capital budget plays a critical role in determining the future of school infrastructure, including renovations, expansions, and the construction of new buildings. The most substantial allocations this year include $71.4 million for a new Old Mill High School and $48.2 million for a new Old Mill Middle School North. Both current facilities have been in operation since 1976.
Construction Timeline and Future Plans
The new Center for Applied Technology North building, funded in the last capital budget, will be located on the same site as the new Old Mill High School in Millersville. The new middle school will be constructed on the former site of the Center for Applied Technology North. Construction for both buildings is set to commence in May 2024 and is expected to be completed by August 2028.
In addition to these major projects, Southern High School and Northeast Middle School will receive $7.5 million and $5.2 million respectively for necessary renovations. Stakeholders at Southern High, which opened in 1968, have long advocated for improvements. Dawn Pulliam, a board member representing the Southern High School cluster, expressed her satisfaction following the presentation: “I’m smiling ear to ear. I talk to stakeholders in the community; they’re like, ‘Yes, we need help.’”
Additional Budget Highlights
The proposed budget also allocates $13.3 million for feasibility studies aimed at evaluating future renovations for Ruth Park Eason Elementary School, Riviera Beach Elementary School, and Van Bokkelen Elementary School. Other noteworthy allocations include $9 million for prekindergarten expansion, $8 million to address maintenance backlogs, $7 million for roof replacements, and $6.5 million for a new school bus facility and lot.
One notable absence from this budget is Glen Burnie High School, which has not been included despite its age; the school was built in 1955 and last underwent renovations in 1979.
The school board will hold a workshop on September 15, 2023 to review the proposed budget before voting on September 17, 2023. Once the board approves the plan, it will be submitted to the state’s Interagency Commission on School Construction. This submission will also form part of the school system’s overall fiscal year 2027 request to County Executive Steuart Pittman in February. The final capital budget for the school system will be adopted by the County Council by June 2024.
The proposed investments signal a commitment to enhancing educational facilities within the Old Mill Cluster, addressing long-standing concerns from community stakeholders, and ensuring that students have access to modern learning environments.
