Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff presented a recommended FY2026 capital budget of approximately $204.6 million at a Jan. 21 workshop, with $137.9 million earmarked for major capital projects and $66.7 million for recurring capital renewals.

"The ask and the request is for approximately $204,600,000," Bill Heizer, chief operating officer, told the board as he reviewed the capital plan. The budget request places a particular emphasis on continuing the Old Mill master plan: the district is constructing the Carver Center, expects to bid a high school replacement in the coming months and is seeking construction funding for completion of Old Mill Middle School North.

Why it matters: the capital request funds construction, major repairs and recurring renewal projects across the district. The timing and level of state support influence the county capital plan and the district’s schedule for major projects.

Heizer and facilities staff said they expect Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) and Built to Learn (BTL) support totaling about $88.5 million for the district’s FY2026 requests. The presentation listed $25 million of IAC support and $46.7 million of BTL support anticipated for Old Mill High School construction; the IAC will consider the district’s request in May 2025.

The board calendar and county schedule were reiterated: the board is scheduled to vote on a budget Feb. 19 (continuation Feb. 20 if needed); the board must submit its request to the county executive by March 1. The county executive is expected to introduce a recommended county budget to the county council by May 1, and the council must adopt a budget by June 15; the board is scheduled to confirm on June 18 with implementation July 1.

Board members asked whether the district faces any risk of losing planned state support mid-construction. Heizer said VTL (Built to Learn) funding has been a major support in recent years and that the district's current projects are in a strong position, but he warned that VTL revenue streams are winding down and that the district will need alternative sources to maintain momentum beyond the current program.

Ending: the board will continue capital deliberations alongside the operating budget timeline and monitor the IAC and BTL schedules and county budget process as the spring session proceeds.