OAKLAND — If Gov. Martin O’Malley doesn’t provide emergency action to help alleviate the dire financial situation of the Garrett County Public School System, it could mean that the process for school closures could begin in the fall, according to a letter from Sen. George Edwards.
Edwards wrote to O’Malley requesting him to put in an administration bill, support one that Edwards puts in or request through the budget process to hold counties harmless from losing any money until the wealth formula is complete. The wealth formula will be looked at in the fall of 2014 and won’t be included until 2016.
“Because of past reductions, the Garrett County Board of Education has closed three schools over as many years and if the projected decrease in funding holds true, the Garrett County School Board is looking at closing four more schools, which would mean almost half of the schools in the county would close over a four-year period,” writes Edwards. “The school closures will be a direct result of the necessity to reduce the work force and continue program elimination.”
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7 comments:
“Nearly half of all Garrett County public school students are on free and reduced meals.”
Nearly half are on FARM? What is nearly half? Give us facts and figures. Thirty percent is nearly half. Wicomico County is more than half at over 53% on FARM.
"The wealth formula also impacts school construction funding and the county had to delay the design phase for remodeling of Southern Middle because the 50/50 match couldn’t be met, according to Edwards."
Why aren't Wicomico county Schools being remodeled instead of being demolished and rebuilt on new property? The leadership in this county really sucks. Why are we allowing our schools to get into such bad shape that we have to build new schools. Would you let your house get in that bad of shape that you do have to rebuild or even remodel?
Let me guess... After closing the three schools, the administrative staff size has remained the same.
Am I close?
P.S., Bennett Middle is only 30 years old?
Wicomico County Schools need to consolidate & redistrict. Now that the new Bennett High is built, do we really need Parkside High right next door to each other? Do we really need a Triple A Stadium built at Bennett High? Come on leaders of this county, do your job, and think.
Wi Hi still stands. Also, wi Middle.
Let the ILLEGALS run the system there the wins bankrupting the state anyway.
This leaves only 4 Elementary schools in the entire county. Board Ford Elementary school already has 647 students there are two classrooms in one with dividers. Yough Glades Elementary is busting at the seams also. Where are students going to go!! Crellin Elementary that is up for closure was in 2010 the number 1 elementary school in the state of Maryland. The bottom line 7 schools in 4 years in outrageous. Enrollment is down because people are going to start home schooling their children or move out of state!
This leaves only 4 Elementary schools in the entire county. Board Ford Elementary school already has 647 students there are two classrooms in one with dividers. Yough Glades Elementary is busting at the seams also. Where are students going to go!! Crellin Elementary that is up for closure was in 2010 the number 1 elementary school in the state of Maryland. The bottom line 7 schools in 4 years in outrageous. Enrollment is down because people are going to start home schooling their children or move out of state!
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