District begins long-range facilities study, launches public web tool April 4 and schedules May 19 workshop

Anne Arundel County Public Schools officials told the board April 2 that a long-range facilities study is underway and that a public engagement web tool will go live April 4 to collect resident priorities for capital needs.

Chief Operating Officer Bill Heiser and Director of Facilities Kyle Roof outlined the 2025 study’s goals: identify facility needs, recommend priorities, and produce an objective, data-driven decision-making tool for the next 10 years. Heiser said the study will consider five primary areas—capacity, facility condition, energy efficiency, educational adequacy and age of buildings—and will produce a draft master plan in June and a final report in August, with a board presentation in September.

Heiser said building surveys and data collection began in 2024 and staff sought input from school representatives this spring. The public web tool will mirror the district’s redistricting engagement platform and will allow users to prioritize the five focus areas, view maps and submit long-form comments about specific schools or infrastructure needs. The district will also hold follow-up meetings with elected officials and stakeholders.

When asked about long-standing capacity concerns in South County and how the facilities timeline aligns with the redistricting process, Heiser said the timetable is “interesting” and explained that the district will provide updates reflective of redistricting following the superintendent’s final recommendation in November. Heiser told board members a May 19 workshop will provide deeper information and that the process aims to be transparent and data driven.

Heiser said the study is intended to inform capital improvement priorities and land-acquisition discussions with county partners; the district will solicit community input through June 1 via the web tool and additional meetings through the summer.