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County executive funds board’s $98 million capital request, superintendent says
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Summary
Superintendent Barnes announced County Executive Calvin Ball has fully funded the Board of Education’s $98,000,000 capital request; district leaders said the funding will accelerate renovations, HVAC work and a new elementary school serving fast‑growing areas.
Superintendent Barnes announced at the March 26 meeting that County Executive Calvin Ball "earlier today" committed to fully funding the Board of Education’s requested capital budget at $98,000,000, calling the investment "monumental." Barnes said the funding will enable critical upgrades, renovations, major HVAC projects and a new elementary school serving Savage, North Laurel, Jessup and southeastern Columbia.
The superintendent said the allocation will allow the school system to address long‑standing deferred maintenance and accelerate project timelines that had been delayed. He singled out communities and projects that would benefit, including renovations and additions at Oakland Mills and Dunlagan, and HVAC work in several neighborhoods.
Board members and district staff thanked the county executive during the meeting. The superintendent noted last year’s capital investments — $67 million and earlier amounts — and said the new commitment surpasses prior funding levels.
The announcement was presented as an update in the superintendent’s report; no formal board action was required during the meeting. District staff said they will provide project schedules and community notifications in coming weeks as planning moves forward.
Next steps: district staff said they will coordinate with operations and capital planning teams to sequence projects and update affected school communities about timelines and scope.
