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PGCPS outlines $800 million Phase Two P3 to replace 11 buildings, aims for net-zero schools
Summary
Director Sean Matlock presented Phase Two of a public-private partnership: eight new schools (replacing about 11 buildings) delivered by Progressive Education Partners, financed through private capital with Maryland Stadium Authority support and county telecommunications tax revenue, and staged for occupancy in summers 2026–2028.
Sean Matlock, director of the Office of Alternative Infrastructure Planning and Development, told the committee the district’s Phase Two public–private partnership (P3) will deliver eight new schools that together replace roughly 11 existing buildings and are valued at "roughly around $800 million in capital expenditure." Matlock explained the P3 model: the private partner (Progressive Education Partners) obtains financing, designs and builds with district input, and provides maintenance over a 32‑year term; the district repays over that lifecycle rather than through large upfront bond sales.
Matlock said the Maryland Stadium Authority will provide $27 million annually to the budget for the program and the balance is funded by county telecommunications tax revenue. He said most schools in the P3 program are being designed as high‑performance or net‑zero buildings (geothermal and solar on most sites) and that the delivery is staggered so the first group would be substantially complete and available for occupancy by July 15, 2026, with Group B schools delivered in July 2027 and the final two schools in July 2028.
Matlock described current construction activity: demolitions of several condemned or to‑be‑replaced schools are complete or imminent (Templeton, Robert Frost, Woodmore/Fairwood, Hydesville, Margaret Brent; Duckworth Regional and Spring Lake demolition to begin this summer). He said finishing work and FF&E installation are underway at some sites; several buildings were expected to top out and reach final inspections ahead of summer occupancy.
During Q&A Vice Chair Brown asked whether solar panels would be leased or included in the 32‑year payback. Matlock said solar was not in the initial financing; Progressive Education Partners offered to roll solar installation into the project price and the district was evaluating market options before deciding whether to accept a change order.
Board member Jackson Saunders asked about Baden Elementary (a vacated campus). Matlock said the district currently plans to keep that building vacant; reusing it would require significant retrofitting because it remains on septic rather than public sewer, and any future use will be reviewed through a building utilization committee.
Matlock said the P3 addresses both condemned buildings (three previously condemned) and consolidation where appropriate; it will also provide long‑term maintenance as part of the contract. The committee received the update and no formal votes were taken on the P3 during the meeting.
