Governor O'Malley Visits Baltimore County Public School, Continues "Steady Progress for Maryland's Schools" Tour
COCKEYSVILLE, MD (September 9, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley continued his “Steady Progress for Maryland’s Schools” Tour today with a visit to Baltimore County, where he traveled to Cockeysville Middle School this morning, Governor O’Malley emphasized the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s commitment to the next generation of Marylanders despite difficult economic times.
“Historic investments in public education, including school construction and renovation projects throughout Maryland, represent an ongoing commitment to the future workforce of our State,” said Governor O’Malley. “As a State, we must continue to protect our investments in our schools to ensure that every Maryland child receives a world class education and a better future, even in difficult economic times.”
“I am very pleased that Governor O'Malley is visiting Cockeysville Middle School to see firsthand how his commitment to school renovation and construction funding is making a real difference in Baltimore County,” said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. “Over the past two years, Governor O'Malley and state legislators delivered a record $93 million for school renovation and construction in Baltimore County. Our students and teachers reap the benefits of those funds each and every day.”
During his education tour, Governor O’Malley will meet with students, faculty, and administrators from across the State to discuss the benefits and opportunities created by State investments in education over these past eighteen months. The series of visits also includes schools in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties throughout the month of September.
“We are thrilled to share the pride we feel for our school with Governor O’Malley,” said Deborah Magness, Principal of Cockeysville Middle. “I am so pleased that our community, staff, and students embraced this renovation as a way to improve our building and enhance our learning environment. Everyone has noticed the significant difference the renovation has made. Parents comment on how new lighting has made the school brighter, and students are excited about the opportunity to complete science experiments in newly renovated science classrooms with up-to-date technology.”
Baltimore County has received over $93 million in school construction funding over the past two budget cycles, representing an increase of over 300% when compared to the first two budget cycles of the previous administration.
Cockeysville Middle School is currently undergoing renovation to its 167,000 square foot building, which houses over 1,000 students, with the help of more than $6.8 million in State construction funding this year. The project includes renovation of seven science classrooms and laboratories, and provides upgrades to the HVAC, plumbing, lighting and electrical systems. Updated sprinkler and fire systems and new handicapped-accessible features will also be included in the project, slated for completion this October.
In addition to ranking third in the nation for best schools, according to Education Week, Maryland ranked second nationwide in the percentage of graduating seniors who had passed an AP exam, and in the rate of improvement, according to the College Board’s 2007 report. Maryland also leads the U.S. in improving eighth graders’ math performance. Seventy-four percent of Maryland 8th graders met or exceeded the Basic level on the National Assessment of Educational Progress exam, according to figures released earlier this year. Maryland is also among the top seven states in preparing students for college. The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education gives Maryland an A- in college preparation, behind just three states. Earlier this year, the Milken Institute ranked Maryland second in the nation in technology preparedness and first in the nation for human capital investment.
To ensure that every Maryland child receives a world class education, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has made an historic $5.3 billion investment in K-12 education, including $741 million for school construction and renovation so Maryland’s students are not housed in temporary trailers or crumbling classrooms. The O’Malley-Brown Administration also froze state college tuition for a third consecutive year so higher education is accessible to more Maryland families.
In addition to the historic investments for schools across the State, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has:
- Provided funding for the Geographic Cost of Education Index for the first time;
- Established the first-ever Higher Education Trust Fund to stabilize tuition costs for families;
- Increased aid for community colleges by 9% and invested a record $150 million over the last two years in better facilities at community colleges around our State; and
- Created the SEED School – Maryland’s first statewide public boarding school.
