LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County commissioners and St. Mary’s County Public Schools officials discussed long-term school facility needs Tuesday, focusing on funding for the Chopticon High School renovation and capital budget concerns for other facility projects.
The renovation at Chopticon is moving forward with state and grant contributions, though local funding will remain necessary. Kimberly Howe, director of capital planning for the Board of Education, told commissioners the county is working to maximize available support.
“So that’ll be depending on the phasing of the project [Chopticon renovation],” Howe said. “You’re probably looking at a good, solid three, four years to complete that project once started.”
Commissioner Mike Hewitt pressed on the importance of securing state participation before moving forward.
“So, my concern is approving something without knowing we have the state funding,” Hewitt said.
According to Howe, the process includes benchmarks that indicate whether state support is likely.
“In December, they make their 75 percent recommendation. If you receive 75 percent recommendation, that’s a good indication it’s going to move forward,” Howe said.
Despite limited annual state allocations, St. Mary’s County Public Schools officials said they intend to push forward with Chopticon while positioning other routine capital budget projects, such as HVAC work at Esperanza Middle and Leonardtown High, to qualify for state aid.
“The fair way to put this is we are continuing to maintain roofs, HVAC and water systems,” Howe said. “Those are the requirements it takes to keep that school open on a daily basis.”
Capital budget planning is a routine and required process for public schools, ensuring long-term projects like renovations and expansions are scheduled, funded and aligned with state guidelines.
Maryland Report Underscores Statewide School Needs
In a recent report from the Maryland Comptroller, it was reported that more than 80 percent of public school buildings across Maryland need repairs or upgrades, with only 20 percent categorized as being in good or satisfactory condition. The study found that while local governments contribute most of the capital spending, state funds account for only about 23 percent of construction and renovation costs.
This statewide imbalance underscores why county officials emphasized the importance of state assistance during Tuesday’s meeting. Local revenues alone cannot meet the growing costs of modernizing schools, particularly when factors like inflation and policy requirements continue to drive construction costs higher.
Commissioners said they will continue to press for more state support to ensure St. Mary’s County Public Schools can move forward with routine capital projects and facilities upkeep like HVAC systems replacement and building renovations.
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