St Mary's County outlines pre-k expansion and Evergreen Elementary capacity plans

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission meeting on February 7, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding the need for elementary schools and the capacity of existing educational facilities in the county. The meeting highlighted the pressing demand for pre-kindergarten programs, particularly in the northern regions of the county, where several communities currently lack access.

Commission members emphasized the importance of establishing adequate water and sewer services for new school sites, noting that while elementary schools can operate with on-site wells and septic systems, middle and high schools require more extensive infrastructure due to their larger student populations. This distinction is crucial as the county plans for future educational developments.

Concerns were raised about the absence of pre-kindergarten options in areas like Lehi Dent, White Marsh, and Mechanicsville. However, officials clarified that pre-k services are available through a rotating center system among existing schools, ensuring that all students in St. Mary's County have access to early education.

The meeting also addressed the upcoming opening of Evergreen Elementary School, which will have a capacity of 646 students. The school is set to begin operations in the fall, and discussions included the redistricting process to determine its attendance boundaries. The commissioners confirmed that the dividing line for elementary school districts is Route 4, which will play a significant role in managing student assignments and capacity evaluations.

In terms of growth management, the commission reported a lower-than-expected growth allocation of 1.9%, which translates to 795 dwelling units approved for development over the next year. This figure is below the anticipated 2.25% growth rate, which would have allowed for 941 units. Despite this, officials expressed confidence that there is sufficient capacity in the elementary school system to accommodate future growth, with a comprehensive report on school capacity expected to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners in January.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to addressing educational needs while managing growth effectively, ensuring that all communities have access to essential services and facilities.