Commissioners approve Built to Learn MOU to advance Chopticon/Chocticon High School renovation

Saint Mary's County commissioners on Feb. 10 approved a memorandum of understanding under the state Built to Learn Act that commits $13,531,434 toward the Chopticon/Chocticon High School multisystem renovation. The memorandum will be routed to the Maryland Stadium Authority for final approval and signatures.

The Department of Finance presentation, led by Miss Howe, framed the request in a statewide context of rising construction costs. “In 2003, the cost of construction that we use from the state was $139. For this year, it’s 431 — it’s a 210% increase since 2003,” Howe said, noting the county’s annual average allocation from the state has fallen from about $7 million to about $5 million.

Howe outlined a multi-source funding approach for the high school project that pairs traditional CIP dollars with Healthy Schools funding, Built to Learn Act dollars and an applied-for Maryland decarbonization grant to improve the building envelope. She cautioned that using multiple funding streams requires careful compliance because each source has distinct rules for spending and payment.

Commissioners said they supported staging and prioritizing systems work (roofs, HVAC and critical components) to maximize limited state dollars. After discussion, a commissioner moved and the board approved the MOU as presented. The vote carried by voice vote.

The action commits the county to the MOU terms and allows staff to proceed with Maryland Stadium Authority approvals and contract planning steps. County staff said they will continue to seek supplemental grants and, if successful, may amend the MOU or project funding plan accordingly.