BOE Update – CIP Recommendations Include Woodward and Crown Auditoriums and More

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) lists projects to improve or build new facilities and infrastructure. The superintendent presented recommendations for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Capital Budget and amendments to the FY 2025-2030 CIP. The Board is scheduled to take action on the recommendations November 21.

The Board invites the public to be part of this process. Public hearings will be held November 4 and 6. To learn more and sign up to speak, visit our website.

Keeping Major Projects Whole

The superintendent’s recommendations to the Board are focused on providing for the completion of four projects:

• Charles W. Woodward High School – including completing the auditorium
• Crown High School – new construction including completing the auditorium, stadium, and other classroom spaces
• Northwood High School – including the stadium and outdoor spaces
• Loiederman Middle School – including critical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning infrastructure

The Budget Ask

The superintendent’s recommended FY26 Capital Budget totals $1.853 billion. If that number seems familiar, it’s because it is the same amount as the approved CIP. While the budget total does not increase, the district is requesting $21.6 million from the county to address revenue shortfalls.

The shortfalls were the result of an error MCPS made when submitting for state aid for the Charles W. Woodward High School Project. Administration has identified ways to partially fill the gap by reallocating existing CIP funding. The reallocations will not delay the timeline for these projects. They will move into planning as scheduled.

While a portion of the shortfall will be accounted for through these reallocations, MCPS will need the additional local funding requested to fully complete current projects.

Read the Board’s statement.
Read MCPS’ statement.

The CIP is funded from four sources:

• Bonds
• State Aid
• School Impact Tax and Recordation Tax
• Current Revenue

Each funding source may have specific requirements for how it can be used.

How Enrollment Impacts Planning

Enrollment projects are an important part of planning for a school district’s infrastructure. Over the last five years, the district has seen enrollment increases in students receiving special education services, emergent multilingual learners, and those receiving Free and Reduced-price Meals. This influences the type of spaces we may need in order to best serve all students. 

MCPS expects total enrollment to increase by the 2030-31 school year, which could create the need for more space for students. 

The district will take enrollment projections into account as they make long-range planning decisions in the CIP.

Future Planning 

As the district addresses this year’s capital budget needs, it is also planning for the future. The Board and district expect a larger budget request next year when they review the full CIP. This will help support their commitment to early childhood education and upcoming elementary school projects.

Learn More

A lot of information was shared during the work session, and we encourage you to watch the recording to learn more about this complex topic. You may also view the presentation (pdf).

The Superintendent’s Recommended FY 2026 Capital Budget and Amendments to the FY 2025–2030 Capital Improvements Program is posted on the MCPS website.

Next Steps

• November 4 – Monday – Facilities and Boundaries Public Hearing #1 (Sign up to speak)
• November 6 – Wednesday – Facilities and Boundaries Public Hearing #2 (Sign up to speak)
• November 8 – Friday – Facilities and Boundaries Work Session #2

Visit our webpage to view agendas, meeting materials, and watch live or recordings.

Boundary Study Update

The Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the Charles W. Woodward High School and Crown High School boundary studies has been extended. We will keep you updated throughout the process.