Board authorizes $62,700 from Patron Endowment for Auburn High golf simulator

The Montgomery County School Board unanimously approved a supplemental appropriation of $62,700 to implement the Patron Golf Simulator at Auburn High School.

Matt Dunleavy, director of grants, innovation and partnerships, presented the request as a strategic use of the Patron Endowment — a donor fund established in 2020 by Ralph W. Patron in memory of his mother, Juanita W. Patron. Dunleavy said the endowment’s mission is to expand access to recreational golf and to promote character development. He described a proposed facility featuring a 16‑foot impact screen, simulator technology and an observation area to serve students year‑round.

Dunleavy told the board the requested $62,700 will come from interest on the endowment and not from MCPS general or capital improvement funds. He said the original gift was $1,000,000, that roughly $125,000 of the gift had been used previously, and that the program has used about $70,000 this year. He noted a donor restriction and a one‑time clause that limits dipping into principal.

Board members asked how past funds had been used; Dunleavy said prior expenditures supported equipment, transportation and school allotments aligned with the donor agreement. He also said the division will work with Auburn school leaders on access logistics so students from other high schools can use the facility.

The appropriation was moved, seconded, and approved by roll call (7 in favor). The board recorded the motion as carried and asked administration to coordinate implementation and a ribbon‑cutting with the Petrone family and other donors.

Next steps: administration will finalize procurement and logistics under the donor’s restrictions and present any necessary implementation details to the board.