Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) is facing significant challenges in maintaining its aging infrastructure, as highlighted during the recent Board of Education Capitol Budget Workshop. With 130 facilities spread across over 3,000 acres, the average age of these buildings is 30 years, and their total replacement value stands at a staggering $8.2 billion. This aging infrastructure has placed AACPS third in the state for facility condition index, a key indicator of the need for strategic investment.

The workshop underscored the importance of consistent funding and planning to achieve the desired maintenance standards. AACPS aims for an APA performance standard level 2, which represents comprehensive stewardship of its facilities. However, current funding levels are falling short of this target, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the quality and performance of the buildings.

The discussions included a visual representation of the average age of facilities across Maryland's local education agencies, showing that AACPS aligns with the statewide average. As facilities continue to age, the need for strategic investment becomes more pressing. The board emphasized that without adequate funding, the condition of these facilities will continue to decline, impacting the educational environment for students.

Moving forward, AACPS is committed to addressing these challenges through careful planning and advocacy for increased funding to ensure that all facilities meet the necessary performance standards. The implications of these discussions are critical, as they directly affect the quality of education and resources available to students in Anne Arundel County.