Governor O'Malley Continues "Steady Progress for Maryland's Schools" Tour in Prince George's County
BELTSVILLE, MD (September 23, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today continued his “Steady Progress for Maryland’s Schools” tour, aimed at highlighting Maryland’s progress and investments in public education, by visiting Vansville Elementary School in Prince George’s County.
“In 2006, Maryland was ranked 25th in the nation in Education Week’s annual report for public education, but Maryland is now ranked third in the nation for best schools,” said Governor O’Malley. “The investments we have fought so hard to preserve in public education, public safety, and public health, even with a national economy in turmoil and a national foreclosure crisis, are intended for one purpose only – to strengthen and grow our middle class over the long-term and create a more sustainable future for Maryland’s children.”
While at Vansville Elementary, Governor O’Malley visited with several classes, including Ms Mitchell’s Kindergarten class where the Governor read a story to the students. Later, the Governor joined students in planting a tree on school grounds to symbolize the nurturing qualities needed for every student’s progress, and in recognition of the environmentally sustainable features incorporated into the newly constructed facility.
“Vansville Elementary School, like all of our Prince George’s County public schools, is a dynamic learning center,” said Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson. “As the County’s first certified and new green school we are certainly proud of the environmental benefits and endless educational components it will offer its students.”
Vansville Elementary School is the result of a merger of Laurel and Beltsville Elementary Schools, and was constructed to reduce overcrowding and busing for other schools in the Laurel- Beltsville area. The new 94,800 square foot facility is a two-story “eco-green” school designed for a student population of 792 as well as 68 teachers and staff, with multiple roof levels with an open central spine, and a gymnasium large enough for two basketball courts. The facility will also house the new Vansville Community Center that will be available for community use. Building systems will reduce energy costs by using ground sources for heating and cooling, maximizing natural light with large windows and reducing the quantity of indoor air contaminants by using low volatile organic compound products for adhesives, sealants, and paints. The building features waterless urinals, dual-flush toilets, and low-flow faucets that will assist in reducing the overall water use in the building by over 40 percent. It is the first school in Prince George’s County to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
“Being the principal of the first LEED School in Prince George's County is truly a remarkable experience,” said Principal Tom Smith. “I have had the unique perspective of seeing how the hard work of many people has come together to make this project a success. Through community support, state funding, county partnership, and staff efforts, students are now enjoying a unique site for learning, as well as learning by example the importance of environmental stewardship.”
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.
Prince George’s County has received $93.3 million in school construction funds over the past two years, including $11.3 million for the Vansville Elementary project.
“As the first 100 percent LEED certified school in Prince George's County, Vansville Elementary raises the bar for all future construction efforts for our public schools,” said Dr. John E. Deasy, Superintendent of Prince George's County Public Schools. “This achievement would not have been possible without the strong support of the Beltsville community, and I thank all who participated in the process. Not only does Vansville provide a healthy, eco-friendly environment for teaching and learning, it demonstrates the commitment of our leadership in Maryland to both education and the environment.”
[ More about the "Steady Progress for Maryland's Schools" Tour ]
