Board and state school-construction agency outline forward-funding approach for Fruitland Primary; IAC warns of statewide cash-flow limits

Wicomico County and Wicomico County Public Schools discussed Fruitland Primary and the county’s capital program during the Jan. 21 legislative session and quarterly work session. School and state construction staff described a plan that would keep the replacement school project on schedule but would require the county to provide cash-flow support while the state fulfills its committed share over time.

Why it matters: The Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) provides the state portion of school-construction funding but pays awards over time as state appropriations and project cash flow allow. For larger projects the difference between the county’s immediate construction costs and the timing of state reimbursements can create a temporary funding “lift.” Council and school officials discussed a forward-funding arrangement the county could use so construction can proceed without delay.

What IAC told the council: - The IAC must balance a statewide pipeline of projects against limited appropriations; although the agency sets a maximum state award for approved projects, the timing of disbursements depends on annual appropriations and statewide obligations. - The IAC reported that Wicomico’s FY26 target allocation was approximately $6.5 million for CIP grants and that the administration is also considering additional enrollment-growth/relocatables funding (the governor’s proposed FY26 budget included supplemental amounts beyond statutory minimums). - For Fruitland Primary: school staff said the project is approved and that construction documents were scheduled for the school-building commission’s review; if local forward funding is arranged the project could move to bidding and a planned ground-breaking this summer. School staff estimated the project would take about two years to complete once construction began.

County-school coordination and next steps: School and county staff said they will finalize an intergovernmental agreement spelling out the county’s forward-funding commitment and the timeline for IAC reimbursements. The county executive and school superintendent confirmed ongoing communications with the county delegation and IAC staff; both sides said they will bring a draft forward-funding agreement to the council and the board for review.

Questions and clarifications: IAC staff described the statewide context — growing backlog, rising construction costs, and changing funding inputs that affect the agency’s ability to deliver the full maximum award immediately. They said the IAC is continuing to work to allocate funds equitably while responding to demand for school replacements, repairs and pre-K capacity under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

What’s next: County staff and the school board will circulate a draft intergovernmental agreement and project schedule; the council indicated it would review the forward-funding request and the timetable for reimbursements before authorizing county cash contributions to the project.