ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 30, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley, joined by Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot, today met with Superintendents from school systems across the state at the annual “Hope-a-thon” for the allocation of the remaining public school construction funding. Governor O’Malley has proposed $333 million in school construction funding for FY 2009, another record year of public school construction funding.
The “hope-a-thon,” formerly known as the “beg-a-thon” was implemented by the Board of Public Works to allow school superintendents to have a more meaningful conversation with the Board of Public Works on their jurisdiction’s key school priorities.
“We must continue to protect the priorities of the people of Maryland, including investments in public education and school construction,” said Governor O’Malley. “We have made another year of record investments in public school construction and we owe it to the students across our State updated and modern buildings for them to learn.”
The superintendents of school systems asked for portions of the remaining unallocated $108 million of the total $333 million in state aid for public school construction funding. The recommendations are made by the State’s Interagency Committee on School Construction.
Building on a $400 million investment last year for school construction, Governor O’Malley’s FY 2009 capital budget includes $333 million for new schools and school renovation projects in local jurisdictions. The budget includes an increase of $184 million for K-12 Education, including an unprecedented $75.8 million for the Geographic Cost of Education Index. The FY 2009 budget also invests $34.4 million in Supplemental Grants to ensure all jurisdictions receive an increase over last year, $55.3 million to increase Teacher Retirement payments to $622 million, and $2 million for the new SEED school.
“I am very pleased that Governor O’Malley is replacing the so called school renovation and construction ‘beg-a-thon’ with a more dignified and meaningful process,” said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. “By meeting with school superintendents, the Board of Public Works will have greater opportunity to understand the needs of the each school system.”
“The City of Baltimore has made a commitment to put every child and every teacher in a safe, comfortable, modern classroom. We need the State’s help to fulfill that commitment, and I look forward to this opportunity to share our funding needs with State leaders and work together to get our kids the schools they deserve,” said Mayor Sheila Dixon.
“All counties are hopeful that their school construction and renovation needs will be considered and funded based on their merit,” said Frederick County Commissioner Jan H. Gardner. “A ‘Hope-a-thon’ gives all of us advocating for school construction a positive and productive way to make our case.”
“I appreciate Governor O’Malley listening to us on this issue; the Governor knows first hand that the ‘beg-a-thon’ is a tradition whose time is up,” said County Executive Ken Ulman. “Having the school superintendents attend alone, allows time for a real substantive discussion of each county’s school needs.”
“I deeply appreciate Governor O’Malley’s new approach to the issue of school funding before the Board of Public Works,” said Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt. “With a sober and well-reasoned presentation as the alternative to ‘quickly in and quickly out,’ communication will be greatly improved, the Board will gain a greater understanding of local needs, and our chances for success should improve. This is the way government should work and Governor O’Malley is on the right track.”
January 30, 2008 |
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