Board approves FY2026 maintenance plan amid concerns over $1.3 billion deferred backlog and state FCI rules

The Anne Arundel County Board of Education approved the fiscal year 2026 comprehensive maintenance plan after an extended discussion about the district’s facility condition index and the size of its deferred maintenance backlog.

“Facility condition index is like a golf score,” Mike McCaffrey, director of maintenance, told the board, explaining that a lower FCI is better because it represents less depletion of a building’s useful life. McCaffrey and Laura Dalsanj, manager of maintenance planning, told board members the district’s overall FCI is relatively low compared with other jurisdictions but noted the state is increasingly tying funding to that rating.

Board members raised concern that state rules that target funding based on FCI may unintentionally penalize districts that have actively invested in maintenance. “Our prudence … is now being held against us, potentially,” Board member Dr. Tobin said, urging the district to raise the issue in legislative advocacy. Several board members urged staff and the board’s legislative team to push for state funding rules that do not disincentivize maintenance investments.

The plan documents posted for the board present a current deferred capital renewal backlog of about $1,300,000,000. Staff said the FY26 request includes $8,000,000 for maintenance backlog reduction. Board members noted that, at that funding level, closing a backlog of that magnitude would take a very long time and emphasized the long-term fiscal tradeoffs of prioritizing new construction, additions and larger projects while deferring renewal work.

Board members also asked about asbestos abatement and replacement timelines. McCaffrey said staff conduct annual assessments and continue abatement work in conjunction with larger projects, and that abatement will be an ongoing multi-year effort. After discussion, the board approved the FY2026 comprehensive maintenance plan; the roll call showed the motion passed 7–0.

Board members urged legislative follow-up to address the state’s use of FCI in funding decisions and asked for future reports that include percentage estimates showing progress against the district’s abatement and backlog goals.