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State report finds more than a quarter of public schools below satisfactory condition; mapping standards issued
Summary
DLS told the subcommittee that the Interagency Commission on School Construction’s statewide facility assessment shows average facility condition index near 55%, with more than a quarter of schools rated unsatisfactory; the IAC described progress on facility mapping and requested staffing flexibility.
Catherine Barber of the Department of Legislative Services presented the Interagency Commission on School Construction FY27 operating allowance and key observations from a mandated statewide facility assessment. She said the FY27 budget decreases to about $18.7 million after a one‑time prior special fund transfer, and that slightly more than half of the proposed operating budget supports school safety grants.
DLS highlighted the facility condition index (FCI) findings: an average around 55% across critical systems, meaning a substantial share of schools have critical issues in HVAC, roofs, life‑safety systems, or environmental quality. Barber said more than a quarter of Maryland’s public schools are not in satisfactory condition and that local education agencies reported missing required safety and sanitary equipment in many buildings.
IAC leaders described managing roughly $800 million in annual capital grants, technical assistance to local education agencies, and their work on facility mapping standards required by Chapters 166 and 167 of 2024; IAC said about 900 of roughly 1,360 schools have been mapped to date. IAC asked lawmakers to reconsider the DLS recommendation to abolish an administrative position, saying vacancies and reclassifications have slowed reporting but that outstanding reports were being submitted.
Members pressed IAC for county‑by‑county mapping lists; IAC agreed to provide that detail. The hearing produced no vote. The subcommittee requested follow‑up and milestone reporting on outstanding reports and mapping progress.
Next steps: IAC will provide the mapping status by county and the remaining outstanding reports and will continue coordinating with the committee on cloud‑based asset library and maintenance funding.
