Funding problem for Baltimore City schools
Staff Writer
2010-11-22
.dmvblogspot.bloggieblog.com .
Ok, we have seen this gentrification city trick in urban cities across the country. You let the schools go down and, the existing population gets replaced by a new population. At this point time, funny words are coming out of the Baltimore City Mayors office. For example, there is short fall of alot of billions and , all the people in power have to say is other funding options. I hope the weak don't end up with a foot up their but with the other funding options kicks into place.
This is a report from the citybizlist.
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and City Schools CEO Dr. Andres A. Alonso have formed a new task force to develop solutions to address the $2.8 billion funding shortfall for capital school construction and renovation projects in Baltimore City.
The task force will explore alternative financing options, new legislative options, and successful models used in other jurisdictions across the country for meeting the school system's construction needs. The Baltimore City Public Schools System is challenged both by the oldest school buildings in the state of Maryland and a local tax base that is insufficient to meet the current and future funding needs of the school system's construction and renovation plan.
Baltimore City Public Schools System faces a $2.8 billion funding shortfall for school construction and renovation. More than $1.5 billion is needed for basic facilities maintenance to provide what the city deems acceptable learning conditions. Another $1.3 billion is required to allow for major renovations and new school construction, which would enable City Schools to be more competitive with surrounding jurisdictions and provide a healthier, more conducive learning environment.
The task force is charged to make its recommendations by February 2011. Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Dr. Alonso named the following individuals to serve on the joint school construction task force:
• Ms. Sophie Dagenais, Chief of Staff for Mayor Rawlings-Blake
• Ms. Arlene Friner, CEO, Vantage Point Associates
• Mr. Mike Frist, Chief Financial Officer, Baltimore City Public Schools
• Mr. Edward Gallagher, Finance Director, Baltimore City
• Ms. Valerie Greene, Associate General Counsel, Baltimore City Public Schools
• Mr. David Lever, Executive Director, Public School Construction Program, Maryland State Department of Education
• Mr. George Nilson, Solicitor, Baltimore City
• Mr. J. Keith Scroggins, Chief Operating Officer, Baltimore City Public Schools
• Mr. Thomas Stosur, Planning Director, Baltimore City
• Ms. Sabrina Sutton, Special Assistant, Youth and Education, Mayor's Office