School Board approves short term plan for Bowling Green Elementary expansion

The Caroline County Board of Supervisors and School Board convened on May 27, 2025, to address pressing educational infrastructure needs and future planning for the county's schools. The meeting focused on enrollment challenges, facility capacity, and the necessity for immediate and long-term solutions.

The discussion began with a proposal to utilize currently underused school buildings, emphasizing the county's interest in preserving these assets. The board acknowledged that any investments made in these buildings would be long-term commitments aimed at enhancing educational facilities.

A significant point of discussion was the urgent need for additional capacity at Bowling Green Elementary School. The school board outlined a short-term bridge plan that includes the installation of trailers at Lewis and Clark Elementary, with a new elementary school projected to open by 2028. This plan aims to address immediate overcrowding and ensure readiness for the upcoming school year, with a deadline for funding requests set for June 2.

The board also reviewed a comprehensive facility study that began in early 2024, which identified key areas for improvement, including deferred maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. The school board has been actively engaging with the community and the Board of Supervisors to refine these plans, presenting various options for addressing growth and capacity issues.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between the Board of Supervisors and the School Board to tackle the educational needs of Caroline County. The immediate focus remains on securing funding for temporary solutions while laying the groundwork for more permanent infrastructure improvements in the coming years. Further discussions and community engagement will be essential as the boards work towards finalizing plans for the future of the county's educational facilities.