Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell presented a $230.2 million capital budget recommendation for Fiscal Year 2027 to the Anne Arundel County Board of Education on September 5, 2025, outlining funding for seven major school projects and a new school bus facility. The proposal, which prioritizes infrastructure improvements across the county, aims to address aging facilities, expand educational capacity, and enhance student environments in a district serving over 80,000 students. For Southern Maryland residents, particularly those in northern Anne Arundel County, the plan signals significant investments in local schools, including Southern High School in Harwood.
The bulk of the budget, $145.6 million or 63% of the total, targets critical construction and planning projects. Old Mill High School in Millersville leads the list with $71.4 million allocated for construction, reflecting its role as a key educational hub for the region. Old Mill Middle School North, also in Millersville, is slated for $48.2 million in construction funds to modernize facilities for its growing student population. Feasibility studies and design work for three schools—Ruth Parker Eason School ($4.6 million), Riviera Beach Elementary School ($4 million), and Van Bokkelen Elementary School ($4.7 million)—lay the groundwork for future expansions or renovations, ensuring accessibility and updated infrastructure. Systemic renovations at Southern High School in Harwood ($7.5 million) and Northeast Middle School in Pasadena ($5.2 million) round out the major projects, addressing critical updates to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems to improve learning environments.
Beyond these, Dr. Bedell’s plan allocates $31.4 million for building systems renovations across the district, tackling essential upgrades to maintain school safety and functionality. Prekindergarten expansion receives $9 million to support early education access, a priority for Southern Maryland families seeking robust foundational programs. An $8 million investment aims to reduce the district’s maintenance backlog, addressing deferred repairs that have accumulated over years. Roof replacements, critical for preventing structural damage, are funded at $7 million, while a new school bus facility and lot in the county receives $6.5 million to improve transportation efficiency. Athletic stadium improvements, budgeted at $5 million, will enhance facilities for student athletes, particularly at high schools like Southern High. Finally, $2.8 million is dedicated to a feasibility study and design for the Glendale Resource Center, which supports specialized educational services.
Dr. Bedell also presented a six-year Capital Improvement Plan extending through FY2032, detailing future funding requests to ensure long-term infrastructure stability. This forward-looking approach aligns with Anne Arundel County’s commitment to maintaining high-quality educational facilities, a key concern for Southern Maryland communities where schools like Southern High serve as community anchors.
The Board of Education will review Dr. Bedell’s recommendations at a public workshop on September 15, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Board Room at the Parham Building, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis. While no public testimony will be taken at the workshop, residents can share feedback at a public hearing before the Board’s initial budget vote on September 17, 2025. Southern Marylanders, particularly those in Harwood and Pasadena, are encouraged to attend or follow the process, as projects like Southern High’s renovations directly impact local students.
After Board approval, the capital budget will be submitted to the State of Maryland for funding consideration, a critical step for securing intergovernmental support. The plan will then integrate into the school system’s overall FY2027 budget request, due to County Executive Steuart Pittman in February 2026. The Anne Arundel County Council will review and finalize the budget by June 2026, determining the scope of these investments.
For Anne Arundel families, the proposed renovations at Southern High School are particularly significant. The $7.5 million in systemic upgrades will address outdated infrastructure, ensuring a safer and more modern learning environment for students in Harwood and surrounding areas. Similarly, Northeast Middle School’s $5.2 million renovation will benefit Pasadena families, reinforcing the district’s commitment to equitable facility improvements. The new bus facility, while county-wide, will streamline transportation for students across Anne Arundel County, reducing delays and improving access to schools like Southern High.
Dr. Bedell’s budget reflects a strategic approach to balancing immediate needs with long-term planning, a necessity in a district facing aging infrastructure and growing enrollment. The focus on prekindergarten expansion and specialized facilities like the Glendale Resource Center underscores a commitment to diverse student needs, resonating with Southern Maryland’s family-oriented communities. As the Board moves toward approval, residents are urged to stay engaged through public hearings to ensure their voices shape the final plan.