Overview

• The comptroller’s State Spending Series report released Sept. 22 cites an IAC assessment showing more than 1,000 of 1,361 schools require repair, renovation, or replacement.
• Construction costs have risen about 42% since 2019 to roughly $600 per new square foot, averaging $1 million per classroom.
• State Capital Improvement Program funding remains around $300 million a year while local governments shoulder about 74% of capital expenses.
• Kent, Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Cecil counties posted the worst facility scores, underscoring pressures in rural districts.
• Brooke Lierman called the findings a wake-up call, Republicans cautioned against tax hikes, and local leaders pressed for changes to the funding and wealth formula.