New construction, renovation and redistricting are among the options being presented to the Anne Arundel County Board of Education today in the final draft of an independent study of school facilities and usage.
The $50,000 study conducted by MGT of America has created some controversy over the rumored prospect of serious redistricting in certain areas, including Severna Park. Based on enrollment projections, a significant number of the system?s elementary schools will exceed their capacity in the next 10 years, while a number of middle and high schools will be under-used.
Board members and new Superintendent Kevin Maxwell will begin reviewing the report at today?s regular board meeting.
MGT of America used a points system to rate schools on their physical condition, ability to adequately house students and technology, and the safety and condition of school grounds.
Based on that point system, the consultant suggested replacing 14 schools, renovating another 42 and adding additional capacity to 12 schools throughout the county in the next 10 years. Boundary adjustments were also suggested in many cases as ways to solve crowding problems.
In the Severna Park attendance area ? where parents have already begun speaking out at recent board meetings to protest any thoughts of redistricting ? the study recommended replacement of Folger McKinsey Elementary School and renovation for Severna Park High School. A boundary change was suggested as a solution to overcrowding at Benfield Elementary School, in addition to suggested renovations.
Anne Arundel County Council member Cathy Vitale, who represents Severna Park and whose son attends McKinsey Elementary, said earlier media reports based on drafts of the study were to blame for the public discontent. “All that?s happened here is a school met a particular criteria and an option was put in a block,” said Vitale, who has been a vocal opponent of redistricting. “There have been no decisions made.”
Board members could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but according to the board?s published agenda, the panel is expected to hold public meetings and workshops in the future to discuss the study?s findings.
