Howard County Makes Historic Investment in School Construction

Includes over $30 million to address systemic renovations and deferred maintenance

Howard County today announced a historic investment in school construction that aims to address overcrowding by creating an additional 2,400 spaces for students by 2023. County Executive Ball’s proposed budget includes $105.9 million for school construction, which fully funds requests by the Board of Education and HCPSS.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball was joined by Senate Budget and Taxation Chair Guy Guzzone, Howard County State Delegation Chair Clarence Lam, Howard County Public Schools Superintendent Michael J. Martirano, County Council Chair Opel Jones, County Council Vice-Chair Christiana Rigby, and Board of Education member Jen Mallo to announce the record investment in school construction. (Photo courtesy of Howard County.)

“Through responsible management and strong partnerships, we can now invest more than $105 million in school construction during the next year, the highest amount in more than two decades,” said County Executive Ball. “We are building facilities that will foster excellent environments for teaching and learning.”

“I am beyond grateful for the unwavering support of County Executive Ball and the State Delegation for their steadfast leadership securing $105.9 million for school construction,” said County Council Chair Opel Jones. “The County Executive’s record-setting investments in education have increased funding for school construction by $78 million in the past four years. Advancing academic opportunities for our future leaders is vital, and I am excited about the commitment to systemic renovations to our school systems priority projects.”

According to a County press release:

The historic investment also includes over $30 million in total funding for systemic renovations, including:

  • Manor Woods Elementary School HVAC and Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • Completion of the Guilford Elementary School Exterior Windows and Doors
  • West Friendship Elementary School Well
  • Completion of the Jeffers Hill Boiler Replacement projects

In Howard County, 65 of 76 schools, or 86 percent, were built before 2000 and require maintenance attention. Since 2018, County Executive Ball has increased County funding for systemic renovation by more than $20 million, which is more than 50 percent higher compared to the previous four-years.

This budget also fulfills requested funding for deferred maintenance, special education program needs, indoor environmental quality, and school security measures.

Visit the Howard County website for more information.