The Montgomery County Board of Education provided an update on this week’s news. The full update can be found below.
“The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) lists projects to improve or construct new facilities and infrastructure. The Superintendent will present recommendations for amendments to the FY 2026 capital budget and CIP for FY 2025-2030. The board is scheduled to act on this recommendation on November 21st.
The Board invites the public to participate in this process. Public hearings will be held November 4th and 6th. To find out more and apply to speak, please visit our website.
Maintain the entire major project
The Superintendent’s recommendation to the board focuses on completing four projects:
Charles W. Woodward High School – including completion of auditorium.
Crown High School – New construction including completion of auditorium, stadium and other classroom spaces
Northwood High School – includes stadium and outdoor space
Luderman Middle School – includes critical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning infrastructure
ask for budget
The Superintendent’s recommended FY26 capital budget totals $1.853 billion. If this number looks familiar, it’s because it’s the same amount as your approved CIP. Although the total budget will not increase, the district is requesting $21.6 million from the county to address the revenue shortfall.
This shortfall was the result of a mistake made by MCPS when applying for a state grant for the Charles W. Woodward High School project. The Government has identified ways to partially fill the gap by reallocating existing CIP funding. Reassignment will not delay the schedule of these projects. We are planning to move forward with the plan as planned.
Although some of the shortfall will be made up through these reallocations, additional local funding will be required for MCPS to fully complete current projects.
Read the board’s statement.
Read the statement from MCPS.
CIP is funded by four sources:
Bonds State Grants School Impact Tax and Recording Tax Current Revenue
Each funding source may have specific requirements regarding how it can be used.
How registration affects planning
Enrollment projects are an important part of the district’s infrastructure plan. Over the past five years, the district has seen an increase in enrollment of students receiving special education services, new multilingual learners, and students receiving free or reduced-price meals. This impacts the type of space needed to best serve all students.
MCPS expects total enrollment to increase by the 2030-31 school year, which may require more space for students.
School districts take enrollment projections into account when making long-term planning decisions in the CIP.
future plans
As the district addresses this year’s capital budget needs, it also plans for the future. The board and district expect a larger budget request when considering the entire CIP next year. This will help support our work on early childhood education and upcoming primary school projects.
learn more
Much information was shared during the work session. We recommend watching the recording to learn more about this complex topic. You can also view the presentation (PDF).
The Superintendent’s recommended amendments to the FY 2026 Capital Budget and FY 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program are posted on the MCPS website.
next step
November 4 – Monday – Facilities and Boundaries Public Hearing #1 (Register to speak) November 6 – Wednesday – Facilities and Boundaries Hearing #2 (Register to speak) November 8th – Friday – Facilities and Boundaries Work Session #2
Visit our webpage to view the agenda, meeting materials, and watch live or recording.
Latest information on boundary surveys
The request for proposal (RFP) process for boundary studies for Charles W. Woodward High School and Crown High School has been extended. We will keep you updated throughout the process. ”
