The Montgomery County (Md.) school district has proposed a $1.72 billion construction plan that would add hundreds of classrooms during the next six years.
"Many of our schools are significantly overutilized and beyond their life cycle, and capital improvements are necessary to provide the learning environment that our students and staff deserve," Interim Superintendent Larry Bowers said in his recommended capital budget.
The Washington Post reports that the plan includes 10 new classroom addition projects, a new elementary school in the Clarksburg area and turf fields at county high schools.
Montgomery County, with about 156,000 students, has seen enrollment rise by more than 18,700 students since 2007; an additional 10,000 students are expected to come to the district during the next six years.
Officials the funding plan is split between projects to replace aging schools (about 35 percent), those designed to increase capacity (about 37 percent), and funds for improvements such as fixing roofs and heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems (about 28 percent).
Video from Montgomery County Public Schools: District unveils capital improvement plan