Montgomery County Board of Education Advances Major Capital Recommendation to Modernize Schools and Address Long-Standing Facility Needs

The Montgomery County Board of Education today accepted the superintendent’s recommended FY 2027 Capital Budget and the FY 2027–2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP), advancing one of the most significant and strategically focused facility efforts in more than a decade. The $2.78 billion plan targets aging buildings, critical systems and essential operational infrastructure across (MCPS). This is the beginning of an important process that involves work with county government, ongoing public engagement and Board of Education worksessions and public hearings, all culminating in final decisions in spring of 2026.

Key Highlights
A Capital Plan Recommendation that represents: 

• 13 Major Capital Projects, including four high schools, two middle schools and seven elementary schools proposed for completion within the next six years.
• Historic investment in core infrastructure, including HVAC, roofing, fire safety, security upgrades, and modern technology systems.
• Data-driven prioritization of school construction or projects based on project declining  enrollment trends, building condition assessments, and instructional needs.
• Strengthened operational capacity, with major investments in support infrastructure such as transportation and other support facilities, central services and more.
• Major policy decisions are still ahead, including Board of Education review of the proposed closure of Silver Spring International Middle School (SSIMS), future use of Crown High School as a holding school, and a site selection process for a replacement Sligo Creek Elementary School.

Building Better in MCPS
MCPS has long faced significant facility challenges—from aging buildings and outdated systems to necessary modernized learning spaces. The adopted CIP directly addresses these concerns through focused investment, including new or renovated buildings, the replacement of major HVAC and roofing systems; upgrades to fire safety and school security infrastructure; technology modernization; expanded outdoor play and athletic spaces; improved facilities for alternative education programs; and planning for the long-overdue replacement of the Carver Educational Services Center. Together, these efforts will create healthier, safer, and more effective learning environments for all students and staff.

There Are Important Decisions That Come Later
The Superintendent’s recommendation proposes that Silver Spring International Middle School (SSIMS) close as a permanent school in 2030, with students transitioning to Eastern Middle School or Sligo Middle School.  The Board’s action includes funding for Eastern Middle School to receive a new building and Sligo Middle School to receive a major renovation. 

The proposal also recommends a replacement for Sligo Creek Elementary School which must undergo the Board of Education’s required site selection process, as outlined in Policy FAA Educational Facilities Planning. This process applies evaluation criteria—including capacity needs, geographic access, transportation considerations, environmental factors, and projected community growth—and incorporates opportunities for public input. A final site recommendation for Sligo Creek Elementary School will be brought to the Board upon completion of this review next spring.

Additionally, the superintendent’s recommendation proposes that Crown High School open as a holding school to support significant secondary capital projects.

Importantly, no final decisions on these projects or the full capital plan will be made until the Board conducts required public hearings and worksessions and there is clarity on final funding levels. These steps ensure full transparency, community input, and alignment with the adopted capital budget before any action is taken.

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Major Projects and Investments
The adopted CIP prioritizes school construction, renovations and modernizations including:

• Damascus High School Replacement 
• Eastern Middle School Replacement
• Sligo Middle School Renewal/Addition
• Burning Tree Elementary School Replacement
• Cold Spring Elementary School Replacement 
• Highland View Elementary School Replacement
• Piney Branch Elementary School Replacement 

• Burtonsville Elementary School replacement
• Crown High School (new)
• JoAnn Leleck Elementary School at Broad Acres replacement
• Northwood High School addition/facility upgrade
• Charles W. Woodward High School reopening
• Sligo Creek Elementary School replacement

Process and Next Steps
With the Board of Education acceptance of the superintendent’s recommended FY 2027 Capital Budget and the FY 2027–2032 Capital Improvements Program, the plan will now be transmitted to the County Executive and County Council for consideration as part of the county’s capital budget process. At the same time, several major CIP-related decisions will move into their next phases. In late winter and early spring, the Board of Education will receive boundary study recommendations—including any proposed CIP adjustments—for review and action in February and March 2026. This work will include potential changes related to the future of Silver Spring International Middle School (SSIMS) and the site selection process for a new Sligo Creek Elementary School (SCES). All decisions will be guided by additional analysis, opportunities for public input, and the requirements of Board Policy FAA, which governs educational facilities planning.

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