As reported in the Capital Gazette, a bipartisan group of Anne Arundel County lawmakers is backing legislation that could help private companies build schools in Maryland.
Del. Cathy Vitale, Severna Park introduced a bill on Wednesday that would exclude lease payments made by local school districts from the state “maintenance of effort” law. The law requires local governments, if they are to qualify for increased state aid, to spend as much per pupil each year as they did the year before. Lease payments are included in the calculation.
Vitale said she has heard that at least one private company is interested in building a new high school in Anne Arundel County and leasing it back to the school system, transferring the property to the system at the end of the lease.
For more information read the full story in the Capital, or read the full text of the bill.