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Board approves nearly $995,000 appropriation for school 'learning cottages; adds Madison to RFP, conditions Bowling Green expansion on school-board approval
Summary
The Board approved an appropriation of $994,607 to the school capital projects fund for temporary "learning cottages" (trailers), added Madison Elementary to a design RFP and authorized contingent plans for additions at Bowling Green pending school-board approval, prompting a divided vote and extended debate.
The Caroline County Board of Supervisors approved an appropriation from audited school reversion funds of $994,607 to Fund 304 (the School Capital Projects Fund) to purchase or lease temporary "learning cottages" to provide classroom space for the coming school year.
The action followed extended discussion over whether to also fund longer-term additions at Bowling Green Elementary and Madison Elementary. The final motion combined three elements: appropriate the $994,607 to Fund 304 for learning cottages, add Madison to the schools'services design RFP, and authorize county staff to move forward with an expansion at Bowling Green (a gym plus additional classrooms) only if the Caroline County School Board gives permission at its next meeting.
The motion generated debate between supervisors and school representatives. School official Mr. Taylor (identified in the meeting record as a school representative) said Madison does have a gym: "We do have a gym in Madison. It's a it's a gym. It has basketball goals." Other supervisors stressed the need to ensure any short-term trailer solution not preclude a new elementary school in the longer term.
The board ultimately passed the motion by roll call (the transcript records the vote result as "motion carries" after roll-call votes and notes at least one dissent). Supervisor Underwood recorded a dissenting vote on the final package.
Staff and board members discussed next steps: drafting design plans (the RFP will be updated to add Madison) and preparing construction documents for Bowling Green should the School Board give the requested authorization. County staff said the trailers and design work could proceed while the board seeks a formal commitment from the school board regarding additions and a future new school; supervisors asked for a written school-board action to formalize that commitment.
The appropriation funds were described in the meeting as reversion/audit leftover dollars from FY2024; the board recorded the appropriation and directed staff to move forward with procurement and associated design tasks.
