A Solution to Rebuild Our Schools
With massive state and federal budget challenges ahead of us, we need to think creatively about new financing options to rebuild Maryland's crumbling school infrastructure.
In today's Baltimore Sun, I co-authored an opinion editorial with Tom Wilcox, the President of the Baltimore Community Foundation, where we highlight an innovative approach for consideration. While focused on Baltimore's significant needs, it's a concept that can be modeled in jurisdictions around the state.
I’ve seen firsthand the dire need for our collective concern and action.
This summer, I joined my House Appropriations Committee colleagues for a tour of Holabird Academy in Baltimore. It was a world of contradictions. The building itself is a painful eyesore, and is in desperate need of an influx of construction funds, just like hundreds more in the City. But there was also a palpable vibrancy and spirit of resilience shared by the students and educators. They trust we will come together to make their school a 21st century learning center.
Holabird’s principal, one of its teachers, a middle student activist, and local advocates invited me for a return visit a few weeks later to engage in a deeper discussion about the problem and potential solutions. I promised to join their efforts to think outside the box.
The only limits on our opportunities are the limits on our creativity. This is one creative option that deserves a look.
