ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Gov. Wes Moore visited Oakdale High School in Frederick in January to emphasize his administration’s commitment to school construction and facility improvements as outlined in the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. He was joined by Maryland State Board of Education President Dr. Joshua Michael, Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Dyson, and Interagency Commission on School Construction Executive Director Alex Donahue.
“Today, the amazing students and staff at Oakdale High School reminded me why families continue to choose Frederick County,” Moore said. “A world-class education system is the foundation on which we build everything else. That’s why our administration is committed to investing in our young people and ensuring that our schools have the capacity needed to deliver on our promise.”
Oakdale High School is the fastest-growing school in Frederick County, which itself is the fastest-growing county in Maryland. Over the past four years, the school’s enrollment has surged by approximately 50%, mirroring the region’s population and housing expansion since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Frederick County schools have exceeded their capacity, with Oakdale Elementary School also experiencing enrollment challenges that could impact the high school in the future.
Historic Investment in School Construction
The Moore-Miller administration’s proposed state investment for school construction over the next five years totals more than $3 billion. The FY 2026 capital budget alone dedicates $825 million to school construction projects—$57 million more than previously allocated in the state’s Capital Improvement Program for that year. These funds will be directed toward critical infrastructure projects, new construction, and renovations in counties struggling with overcrowding.
The budget continues to fund the $1.7 billion Built to Learn Fund initiative, which uses revenue bonds backed by casino revenues from the Education Trust Fund. In FY 2026, the program will invest $302.2 million in school construction and renovation projects statewide.
During his visit, Moore met with Oakdale High School student leaders to hear firsthand how rapid enrollment growth and limited space have impacted their classroom experiences. He later joined local officials to discuss the administration’s broader school construction efforts.
Local Leaders Praise the Governor’s Commitment
Frederick County officials welcomed the additional funding, noting the region’s urgent need for new and modernized school buildings.
“Frederick County is the fastest-growing school system in Maryland, and Governor Moore understands our dual challenge of maintaining aging facilities and building new schools to meet increasing enrollment,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “We are grateful to Governor Moore for proposing new money to help school systems like ours. This infusion of funds will help us move quickly on school construction projects already in the pipeline, which will improve the experience of students, educators, and families.”
Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Dyson echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preparing for continued growth.
“I am so appreciative of Governor Moore’s visit to Oakdale High School,” Dyson said. “Families continue to choose Frederick County as a place to raise their children, and as we continue to rapidly grow as a system, we must ensure our school buildings are ready for all students.”
State Board of Education President Dr. Joshua Michael also underscored the importance of modern facilities in fostering student success.
“Every student deserves modernized classrooms,” Michael said. “We are excited by the growing enrollment in Frederick County Public Schools, which reflects increased trust in public education. We support efforts underway to address school overcrowding through building renovations, expansions, and new construction. These investments will benefit the current students and those who will follow.”
Gov. Moore’s school construction plan aligns with his administration’s broader goals of strengthening Maryland’s public education system and ensuring that facilities keep pace with population growth.
