With several Baltimore County schools closed on Oct. 2 due to excessive heat, County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced that he has identified up to $16 million in matching funds for air conditioning and heating units in county schools that do not have air conditioning.
These funds will be matched by $13.4 million in state funding awarded by the Maryland Interagency Commission on School Construction’s Healthy School Facility Fund.
Projects funded with the Healthy School Facility Fund and the county’s matching funds are estimated to be complete by spring of 2021. Six schools that will receive air conditioning units and that includes Eastern Technical High School in Essex.
BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams and Board of Education Chair Kathleen Causey issued statements following County Executive John Olszewski’s announcement.
We are appreciative to state and county elected leaders for their partnership in providing funding for temporary cooling solutions at six of our buildings without central air conditioning. During the last decade, we have made significant progress adding air conditioning in schools throughout the county through renovation and new building projects. This is another positive step that will provide more comfortable spaces for BCPS students to learn.” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams.
“Our first priority as a Board is ensuring our children are equipped with the tools they need to learn in environments conducive to their success. I am very grateful for County Executive Olszewski’s support to move forward much-needed temporary air conditioning projects in our district.” said BCPS Board Chair Kathleen Causey.
