UPDATE: Funding for a new northeastern Baltimore County elementary school has been approved.

Original story below…

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NOTTINGHAM, MD—Construction funding for the proposed new schools in northeastern Baltimore County is now uncertain due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

On Tuesday night, the Baltimore County School Board approved a contract modification that authorizes the school system to purchase new technology for projects including the new northeast elementary school at Ridge Road and the new northeast middle school.

That approval was bittersweet, says BCPS Board of Education member Julie Henn.

“While it is encouraging to see plans for these projects advance, construction cannot move forward without state funding,” said Henn.

The Built to Learn Act, which would provide the necessary funds to construct both schools, and advance the school system’s capital improvement plan for all projects, is reportedly now on hold due to the COVID-19 crisis.

“Baltimore County Councilman David Marks and I remain committed to doing everything we can to advance these schools for the communities we represent and call home” added Henn.

HB1, the so-called “Built to Learn Act,” was passed by the Maryland General Assembly in March.

The bill would invest an additional $2.2 billion into school construction prioritizing schools with the oldest buildings and schools with a high number of classroom trailers.

HB-1 includes three northeastern Baltimore County school projects; a new elementary school in Rosedale, a new middle school at Nottingham Park, and an expansion of Pine Grove Middle School in Carney.

“It is reassuring to know that these much needed projects are ready to move forward. We will keep everyone apprised as to their status,” Henn concluded.