Caroline County's future in education took a significant step forward during the recent Caroline County Commissioners meeting, where the focus was on the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The plan, which aims to secure funding for the Lockerman project, is seen as a crucial milestone in a long-term vision for the county's educational infrastructure.

Dr. Derek Simmons, Superintendent of Caroline County Public Schools, emphasized the importance of the Lockerman project, describing it as the beginning of a "marathon" that will unfold over the next five years. The project is expected to cost approximately $104 million, with a state share of around $75 million and a local contribution of about $29 million. The goal is to complete the project by June 2029, with occupancy slated for the start of the school year in August 2029.

Mister Mengel, the Director of Operations, presented the CIP, highlighting that the current request is for state planning approval for architectural and engineering design, amounting to $600,082. The local share for this initial phase is projected at $1.4 million. Future funding requests will escalate significantly, with construction funding requests of $41 million in FY 28 and $51 million in FY 29 anticipated.

In addition to the Lockerman project, the meeting also addressed the aging wastewater treatment plants in the county, which are over 50 years old. Plans for their upgrades are tentatively scheduled for FY 30 and FY 31, with costs expected to be around $1.3 million.

Another pressing issue discussed was the need for a new roof at Denton Elementary School, which has been deemed necessary but is not eligible for CIP funding. The county is currently awaiting the approval of a new funding program that could assist with this project.

The commissioners unanimously approved a letter of support for the CIP, signaling a commitment to advancing these critical educational projects. As the county navigates the complexities of funding and construction, the focus remains on ensuring that the educational needs of Caroline County's students are met effectively and sustainably.