The Anne Arundel County (Md.) school board has voted to replace three of its aging elememntary school buildings.
The Annapolis Capital-Gazette reports that feasibility studies concluded that the district needs to replace Hillsmere Elementary in Annapolis, Rippling Woods Elementary in Glenn Burnie, and Quarterfield Elementary in Severn.
All three schools have undergone small renovations or additions, but the campuses have not seen major changes since they were built more than 40 years ago.
The buildings will be demolished and replaced with updated facilities. Hillsmere will cost about $39 million and take 30 months. Rippling Woods is estimated to cost $53 million and take 30 months. Quarterfield is estimated to cost about $42 million and take 30 months.
Numerous parents spoke at the board meeting to show support for the new Hillsmere facility. One mother talked about the school when she attended.
“Hillsmere was such a special school when I attended in the early 80s, and remains just as special," she says. Yet, the building has not kept up with the advancements."
The schools are scheduled to be completed by the 2023-24 school year. Students at all three schools will remain in the existing school buildings during construction.
