For the past 15 years, I have worked to lighten overcrowding at schools throughout northeastern Baltimore County. Once I was elected to the County Council, our office reduced the development potential on more than 260 acres in northeastern Baltimore County. Now, we are working to accelerate construction of new classroom space so our children so longer have to learn in overcrowded buildings.
I am very happy to report that plans are accelerating for a new elementary school that will alleviate overcrowding in communities like Perry Hall and White Marsh. This 700-seat elementary school could be open as early as the 2017-2018 academic year.
I would like to thank Superintendent Dance for his support. We have had numerous conversations about classroom space over the past two years. County Executive Kamenetz deserves credit for articulating a multi-year school improvement program.
I will do everything in my power to accelerate the construction of this elementary school, and to advance other priorities such as land for a new high school. I have worked closely with my colleague Cathy Bevins and our state legislators on these important issues.
In addition to school improvements in the northeast, the county has committed millions of dollars for projects in Towson, Loch Raven, and Carney. That includes improvements and new classroom space at Stoneleigh and Hampton Elementary Schools; the upcoming renovation of Dumbarton Middle School; and air conditioning at Carney, Joppa View, Pleasant Plains, and Seven Oaks Elementary Schools.