Montgomery County Public Schools received a boost Tuesday to help remediate aging school buildings.
During its meeting Tuesday afternoon, the Montgomery County Council approved a $603,000 supplemental appropriation to MCPS’ fiscal 2019 budget to fund capital improvements, repairs, maintenance and deferred maintenance of existing school buildings through the state’s Aging Schools Program.
The Aging Schools Program (ASP) was established by legislation in 1997 and provides state funds to all Maryland school districts to be utilized for capital improvement projects. A memorandum from MCPS Superintendent Jack Smith says projects must be completed before funding is secured from the ASP, and the Maryland State Public School Construction Program will reimburse Montgomery County for the cost of the projects once completed.
Council documents say the funds will be used for “planned lifecycle asset replacement,” which could include projects encompassing mechanical and plumbing systems, lighting, reconstruction of sidewalks and other issues. Funds are restricted to projects that have a 15-year anticipated lifespan.
“This project has a standing backlog of needed infrastructure projects that will be more rapidly addressed with the additional funds,” the council’s staff report says. “This amendment will not affect the amount of County General Obligation bonds or State aid already provided to these projects.”
