MCPS unveils CIP prioritization framework; adds classroom air-quality measures to building prioritization
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Summary
Staff presented a new CIP scoring framework weight that places building condition at 50% of a project's priority score and adds classroom indoor-air-quality sensor data to an educational-adequacy metric. The board received a ranked list of 52 schools and asked for continued transparency and publication of detailed facility-condition assessments.
Montgomery County Public Schools staff described a new CIP prioritization framework at the Nov. 4 work session that formalizes how projects are ranked for investment. The rubric weights four primary categories: building condition (50%), educational adequacy (25%), utilization (12.5%) and enhanced student needs (12.5%).
Indoor air quality added to educational adequacy: staff said MCPS incorporated classroom IAQ sensor data into the educational-adequacy category. The district's sensors measure carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and a comfort index (temperature/humidity). For the IAQ subscore staff used a weighted formula (CO2 35%, PM2.5 25%, VOCs 15%, comfort 15%, trend/stability 10%) to produce a normalized score that feeds into educational adequacy. Staff said the database of sensor readings and the detailed per-school breakdown used in the prioritization were posted to board docs as attachments.
How the ranking works: staff showed a worked example for Eastern Middle School: a high facility-condition index score (FCI depleted value) gave a top category score that, when multiplied by the category weight, produced a largest share of the school's overall prioritization ranking. Staff said the attachment includes the per-school breakdown for the initial set of 52 schools and that assessments for all schools will be posted in waves as the facility-condition assessment program completes more sites.
Board response and next steps: board members asked staff to publish FCI and IAQ data in a more user-friendly format (spreadsheet/CSV) and to clarify how classroom design and historical design limitations are reflected in FCI scores. Staff said they will continue to post facility-condition materials and to refine the assessment methodology in future updates.
Why it matters: the framework gives the board and public a clearer, data-driven method to compare capital needs across a large portfolio of buildings, and adds a public-health dimension by incorporating air-quality sensor data into prioritization.