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Parent urges Montgomery County to fund Damascus High School rebuild, push to start construction in FY29
Summary
In a recorded public comment, parent and PTA leader Danny Ibarra urged county decision-makers to keep Damascus High School’s full rebuild in the next Capital Improvement Program and to allow construction to start in fiscal year 2029, citing the school’s age, failing systems and its role as a special-education hub.
Danny Ibarra, a parent, PTA president at Wilson Williams Elementary School and Damascus Cluster Coordinator, urged Montgomery County decision-makers in a recorded public comment to keep Damascus High School’s full rebuild in the next Capital Improvement Program and to begin construction in fiscal year 2029.
"Damascus High School sits at over 75 years old and has been pieced together bit by bit, ensuring that it cannot sustain a renewal project with its current piping system, foundation and boilers," Ibarra said. He added that a total rebuild carries a larger associated cost but argued it is necessary to provide safe, equitable facilities.
Ibarra noted that Clarksburg High School is overcrowded amid continued housing growth in the area and said the preliminary budget released on Jan. 15 includes Damascus High School in the recommendation for the next CIP. "I urge you to keep the momentum and allow for construction to start in fiscal year 29," he said.
He emphasized that Damascus is a major hub for special education programs, specifically the Learning for Independence program and the School Community-Based Program, and said rebuilding is essential so students who depend on those services — including his oldest son — have access to appropriate facilities.
The recorded comment did not include a formal response or a vote; the transcript contains only Ibarra’s submission. The county’s CIP process and any formal scheduling or budget votes will determine whether and when construction is scheduled.
