Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. and Wicomico County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen jointly announced today that the Maryland Board of Public Works has approved $9,975,425 in funding for the completion of the new James M. Bennett High School. The State of Maryland Public School Construction Program informed the officials of the BPW decision in a letter dated May 21, 2010 (attached).
As of last January, only $7,000,000 had been allocated to complete the project. Both Pollitt and Fredericksen made personal appeals before the Board of Public Works to increase the allocation by almost $3,000,000. Dr. Fredericksen said, “The success of our appeal was made possible by the efforts of Appropriations Committee chair, Delegate Norman H. Conway (District 38B) and members of the Wicomico legislative delegation. This type of support in Annapolis is what will make for a great 2010-2011 school year for the first group of students to enter the new JMB.” Pollitt had high praise for the BPW members, Governor O’Malley, Treasurer Kopp and Comptroller Franchot for their “high level of concern for the schoolchildren of our county.”
James M. Bennett High School will open its doors to students in August…a full year ahead of schedule. Governor O’Malley visited the construction site on August 15, 2008 and discussed the unprecedented support his administration has provided for funding school construction. While there, Governor O’Malley joined members of the JMB Band, singing and playing guitar. The Board of Education is inviting alumni and guests of JMB to the school for a final visit on Sunday, June 6th, from 1-to-3 P.M.
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Now the BOE can take a loit more trips to vegas for meetings.
ReplyDeleteGreat!
ReplyDeleteNow the Board can fund the full cost of upgrading the Onley Road/Division Street intersection.
Isn't it funny how you never hear anything about Ole Norm until election year.
ReplyDeleteHe's been there way to long though and I'm all in favor a newcomer.
Shame on you Pollitt for playing favorites and 'sucking-up' to the incumbent. Alot of people remember though that he was a paid lobbyist for the BOE while simultaneously holding his job as Delegate.
So it comes as no surprise to this old dog.