By ERIN CUNNINGHAM erinc@herald-mail.com

HAGERSTOWN

A Washington County Commissioner questioned Tuesday why the Board of Education was able to find money for a downtown performing arts school, but not for another project.

The remark came after Washington County Public Schools staff made a case for financial and long-term support for a new Antietam Academy.

County Commissioners said they could not commit to building a new facility right now.

"We have to prioritize what the needs and desires of this community are," Commissioner Kristin B. Aleshire said.

The Board of Education asked commissioners to place more than $400,000 in the fiscal year 2009 budget for planning for a new Antietam Academy. Board members also asked for a long-term commitment to build the new school.

Aleshire asked the board why $700,000 could be used to help with costs associated with the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts in downtown Hagerstown, but not for Antietam Academy.

"Every person I've met who has walked downtown Hagerstown is excited about that school," Board Member Ruth Anne Callaham said. "So, we took $700,000 in a leap of faith to do something this county has never done before ... Now, we're saying we have another need, and I don't think anyone in this room will dispute the need. You want to pick us to death over $400,000. Fine. But take a leap of faith. Stand tall, and help the children of this community."

The new Antietam Academy would house several alternative programs that are split among the Western Heights Middle, South Hagerstown High and Washington County Technical High school campuses.

Because of space limitations at current facilities, officials said those students with behavioral problems and other special needs are being placed in classrooms with other students before they are ready, Acting Director of Student Services John Davidson said. Current Antietam Academy programs also only serve students through 10th grade.

If a new building was available, students could attend through their senior years in high school, he said.

Aleshire said there are budget limitations at the state and local level.

"None of these budgets are bottomless wells of money to provide for projects all in concert," he said.

Assistant Superintendent Boyd Michael said that the planning money for a new Antietam Academy site had been budgeted, but later was removed from the county's budget.

He said it was not financially responsible to spend $426,000 to plan for a new Antietam Academy if the project was not included in the county's budget through 2013.

"One day, this county will have a new Antietam Academy," Michael said. "They'll have to."



I think its ridiculous when a washington county commisioner questions why the county was is being able to fund money for the new downtown hagerstown Arts school and not a new school campus in the growing rural areas. Look, I agree that our schools are getting way to crowded and believe me it doesn't take a genius to figure that out. Some of us wonder where they all are coming from, but yet its good to see growth in the county like this, anyway thats not the point. The point is that the washington county commisioner's remark was absurd. Yes there might be a need for money for another school to be built around here, yet we have to take projects a at a time here. The new school for the arts downtown was planned way before this Antietam school was being discussed. Anyway, the new downtown school is a good investment just like the new Universit system of Maryland downtown is. Our county is growing in education. In fact just an article cam out today that Hagerstown community college is expanding so fast that they need to build a new science and arts facility that will cost millions. These programs are perfect for our area. They equal goof long term local jobs that only improve the county's work environment and benefits as we are already seeing. The county commissioner should actually think of the new downtown music arts school just as valuable as just another school we can fill up to meet our growing demand.


What does everybody else think about comparing the two schools? (keep in mind they won't change the budget, they have already funded and ordered construction for the new school downtown).

Not reponding "for" or "against". But I know there have been many meetings, both televised and not. There has also been newspaper coverage, including many editorials and routine coverage. I am surprised some are acting like it is news to them. Seems questions should of come up long before. That would be my main concern.

It was asked by the poster or HM article, How did Commissioner Alshire respond when on city council? I do not know for sure, do not keep track of him. I thought they were all in agreement to to be proponents of the arts school as it would jump start the arts segment of the arts and entertainment district. And it would help with overcrowding by taking some students out of their home schools. Whether those factors are realistic, I do not know. But I thought I recalled a council meeting where each member was asked to express their support or disapproval. I do not recall any nays, but it has been a long time. Seems that would of been a time for questions.

City council also met with the BOE at another televised meeting. Not sure if it was before or after Alshire jumped over to the commissioners table.

Also, I watched a joint commissioner/council meeting on channel six, after Alshire was elected to the commissioners. I believe the issue of the arts school came up in an overall discussion of working together for downtown development. I do not recall any strong disapproval, if any at all. Seems like that would of also been a good time for questions/suggestions. But it has been a long time.

I definitely did not hear anyone bring up a new campus for Antietam Academy in past "open" meetings, while discussing the Arts School. I am sure it has been in the plans somewhere, I just do not keep up w/ details as Antietam is not in my daily scope of issues.

Basically, there have been many meetings so I was surprised to hear that it was a shock to some commissioners, or that they had waited to address new issues. My main reaction to this article, is surprise and confusion that some waited until now to make a dust up.

Again, I do not keep up w/ each elected official but I do know there have been many meetings and newspaper coverage. I would imagine the bulk of responsibility for responding to questions would be w/ the BOE.

i would like to know more before i "yay or nay " this one. i'd like to see some comparisons between the two proposals... for example... what will be the criteria for admission to this school... what courses would a student have to successfully complete before consideration for the arts school... how many students would the school serve? would they have the same graduation requirements? ( community service etc?). would the discipline standards be higher than in a regular public school? would transportation be provided for students from all over the county, or just those that live near the school?

Great questions. There have been numerous public meetings, some at the BOE & City Council. The commissioners have also checked in. I am not sure, but the BOE may have minutes and summaries addressing questions. The BOE should be the ones getting the word out, I would think. Perhaps their website has some mention. (?) In all honesty, it is a blur to me. One hears so much and does not digest it. I have been too busy raising my own teens to really pay close attention. So, I have not weighed in as a private citizen or mom. I am sure we all want quality education, teen safety, and a vibrant downtown. Just not sure if this is the remedy or a piece to the puzzle that could help?

I do know, elected officials and some focus groups have been doing a lot of work on the proposal of a downtown School for the Arts. Again, I have no pony in this show and think questions are in order for any planned project. Safety, space, and funding is common sense. Many have been asking such questions for the past two years of planning. I was just curious why it was coming to a head now, not discounting anyone. Of course one should ask questions. Of course citizens & officials want accountability.

Well, if you are going to talk about me or the "facts" I might as well help out...

The Antietam Academy has been in the BOE plans long before the Arts School, the Arts school only jumped up in the process when a building to house it was donated.I have always been in favor of this endeavor by the BOE, and feel it is a good fit for downtown and the education system. That being said if we are to debate the issue we should at least do so accurately.

The Arts School does not already have funding programmed, rather it is expected that funding will occur from savings from student yields taken from other schools. The BOE is proceeding with alternative funding in part because traditional funding is not available.

My question was to the point that why is the BOE telling the public the project will cost 8.5 million when it is not including the 700,000 it is forward funding from last years budget toward that project that comes from savings in money not spent on programs like special education, and then asking for more funds for a special education project usch as Antietam Academy.

As Commissioner I have met with the BOE at our quarterly meetings at least 3 times now and it has been made clear that the real NEED they profess to have is an Antietam Academy to improve the school system learning environment as a whole, while the Arts school has been discussed as a desirable addition.

I cannot be the only one out there that understands there are limitations to the public tax dollar, and that such dollars should fund our needs before our desires.

Not to mention I have asked on numerous occasions in these meetings for information on how the Arts School will function, such as:

where will kids take regular classes
where will kids eat lunch
how will the bussing schedule be impacted
how many out of county kids will be admitted to the school
etc...

and to date have received zero response.

In fact we just heard from the Executive Director of the USMH that the five year agreement for offering free class space at the USMH for this Arts school for regular classes may no longer be guaranteed to be available and was never a guarantee due to greater than expected growth of the University needs...

I cannot be the only person out there that thinks such plans should be in place before we decide to fund a 8 million dollar project.

Last but not least, the BOE has continued to state that the project will be an 8 million dollar project when I have heard on several occassions that as they continue to investigate the rehab needs of the building chosen, the cost may end up more like 10-12 million, while the BOE has only proceeded in financing the original 8 expected. Does the public feel there is a ceiling to this, or should it be a blank check no matter what the cost to make it happen?

I cannot be the only one that thinks that the cost should be a primary factor in determining its feasibility.

Therefore you are wrong that it won't affect the budget, rwong about which project came first, wrong about the fact that I should not be asking these very important questions.

If I'm not here to ask such questions that affect the public's resources then what else for? I make no apologies for not getting caught up in the feel good tactics of public office, but rather choose to remain consistent in weighing the merits of the issue as proposed.

I'd like to go out and buy a brand new house, truck, yacht, vacation spot and many other things that would make my life more enjoyable, just as everyone else would, but I buy what is necessary and from what is left thos things that are affordable to enjoy. It should be no different with the public's tax dollar.

When my questions and concerns are addressed I will feel more comfortable, but when I attend a meeting and hear about how tight the coming State budget is and how tight funding is and how we are 80 million behind on basic improvements to our exisitng schools and how disruptive the learning process has become systemwide by the lack of a much NEEDED Alternative School, then I turn around and see the BOE basically proceeding with alternative financing of a desired Arts School, it is like watching someone that knows times are going to be tight, go out borrow to buy a new car, while the house payment sits on the table and the furnace is about to break down.

I want the new Arts School, I think it will be a great addition to our community, but I want more to be responsible about how I spend the public's money for the greatest public benefit and good. I want more to know there is a plan in place for how the system will work before the money is spent.

If thats absurd, then you put thw wrong person in public office to look after such issues and ask such questions on your behalf.

Comparing the School for the Arts and Antietam Academy...........apples and grapes.
The truth be told, in the past 20 years, CC's have ignored the reccommendations from the Board of Ed to upgrade and build new schools. Except for some upgrades at South and North, Clear Spring and some others, little has been done to address the real problems of overcrowding. That's not to say that they didn't, within their means, do what they felt they could. At least these commissioners are trying to stop a gushing wound, and being aggressive about it.
The School for the Arts is a private, public (City, County and State) effort to reduce some of the overcrowding and give talented youth an opportunity to grow. They will be held to the same accountability as other schools, curriculum wise.
Although there has not been put in place an agreed upon criteria of eligible children, they will come from all over the county.
Grades are a real plus, but talent can be treated the same. It is a proven fact that children who love music and the arts, learn better when those programs are present in their day to day learning process.
I congratulate the Board for pushing for more school space and better accommodations for our children to learn. But, on the other hand I know that the current CC's are pushing the enevelope as we speak. No one knows what the outcome will be of the $1.5 billion deficit that the state is facing, what implications that will have for local govt's.
We are a diverse county, where our diversity shows everyday. Let's be progressive in our thinking and use the resources that we have to better educate our children and give them the opportunity to become what they want to be.

JMHO.

well said... these are exactly the concerns i have.. i think its a WONDERFUL idea, but as long as these details are not attended to, we have problems... this is not a project we can half-ass.. i think its a GREAT idea...we have many talented students in our area something this area needs, but it has to be done RIGHT.. we have to be sure we get the most bang for the buck, and that we get the most good out of it for EVERYONE...

we have to remember that we're dealing with teens ( however gifted) so i'd like to be sure that these students are not left to their own devices to get to and from different campuses for classes, lunch, etc... the minute someone skips a class, thats when the whistles will start blowing and all the naysayers begin the "i told you so's"...

Now this is the Kid I voted for...

not that other conceited self-centered individual that posts on here...

and runs 4 way stops? lmao...

I am not sure how comparing the funding, which comes from one basic source of money (the public) is comparing apples and grapes. I hear that this will include private funds, but to what degree and at what time? hear that it will be for County students, but it will also be of outside of County students, so whay percent? I hear that it will cost 8.5 million so why no include the additional 700,000 to that amount, the State credits, or the reports of the review committee that are placing the projected costs at millions higher? I hear that alternative funding will be used and therefore no additional County funds will be used, so why not exclude the 700,000. I hear that the BOE needs 400,000 for the Academy Study so why not take the cost savings or more than 1 million from Special Education this year and apply it to the study rather than to the Arts Schools projected debt service interest costs? I hear that the regular classes will be at the USMH, but now here space may not be available so what will the alternative plan to this need be? I hear that kids will be bussed from their home school area so what will the additional bus need (cost) be? I hear that the State and County are expecting significant budget cuts, but the County needs an Antietam Academy, not to mention 80 million dollars worth of other system project imrpovements so how can we exclude the funding of such projects into apples and grapes, and what will the affect of the slow down in development fees and State budget funding have on our ability to pay back the maximum borrowing limits the current BOCC is approving? I hear lunch will be provided via vouchers to "eat out" downtown or have lunch brought in, but also hear no firm plan has been established to determine this, so at what point do we start talking about these "details"? I hear ADA is an issue, so how is it being addressed?

Am I simply not supposed to be asking these questions? Does anyone else out there find this nitpicking to the process of accountability of the public's money?

Whoa, bro, ease up. I am not questioning your questioning. I was simply stating that along with other improvements that are needed, this is one. I was actually giving you guys kudos for being agressive in your addressing the needs of our school children.

On another subject, what's up with Tues. AM? I talked with JD last night. Let me know.

I think Kid is doing his job here.

Gov't just has to learn to prioritize and separate want from need.

I have lots of questions I have not seen good answers for.

Is this Arts School more important/a higher priority than AA?

What other school system needs took a back seat to fund the Arts School?

What is the real expected cost for the Arts School?

What is the cost per pupil at this Arts School vs a typical public school?

How will kids from Boonsboro or Hancock get there (to the Arts School)?

My gut tells me this Arts School is a want, not a need, and that there are more important things that those dollars should go for. The desire of a few to have a crown jewel that looks and sounds good does not make it good fiscal policy.

but what about all the artistically gifed kids here!? the kids with technical aptitude ahve tech high? how is this any different? just because their talents are different doesnt make them less important!

Tech High has been around forever, not requiring huge new money for a new school, and their kids are, IMO, much more likely to get a job as a result of the schooling received there than the kids from the Arts School.

We may want a school for every "arts" subject, one for sports, and one with many more technical offerings. But can we afford it all?

I and not "anti-arts", but I have to pay for my daughter to get music and dance lessons.

When you find anywhere in my comments that I am opposed or find the arts to be less important please point it out. What I am talking about is basic economic and logistics that prevent frilly feel good fiascos from occuring that utlimately fall at the feet of our decision making responsibility.

You will recall I voted in favor of the deck for downtown, worked to develop tax deferral incentives for downtown redevelopment for both residential and commercial, approved bringng the MD Theatre into the McBare's Building over the then 10 million dollar alternative, was in favor of increased property maintenance efforts like rental registration, supported selling the Old Sears Warehouse before it was ever sold. However, each were accomplished with some significant thought, such as the 35% general fund match on the deck debt service fee and limiting the rental registration from its initial drafts through countless meetings and compromise

I continue to date to lobby for additional decks at the HT lot and along West Franklin as well as expansion efforts of the Library, but will scrutinize those pending processes with equal degree, because that is my responsbility.


Aside, for B, I was just informed I have a meeting that evening that I will some time to prepare for that day, so the onyl thing that would work would be EARLY AM and possibly only til 10 AM latest if even that, so it is not looking good a this point.

My response was not directed at you, just at this whole process and feeling from those behind the scenes that treat public elected officials as if they are medling in their affairs by simply asking questions that demand accountability. These affairs are the public's period.

The reason it is being funded is simple:

Barbara Ingram School = Rich, smart kids, excitement for the downtown, talented kids, Chamber and City behind it, ect.

Antietam Academy = troubled kids, poor kids, bad parents, no excitement for the City, underachievers, no talent, worthless, ect....

I think that the Barbara Ingram School is a wonderful idea, WHEN AND ONLY WHEN ALL of our school children stop learning in TRAILERS (BOE calls it Portable Classrooms). Public funding is supposed to be nonbias unlike society. The same amount of time, money, and effort should be spent on the poor stupid kids as is spent on the smart talented ones. Some will argue this is private, if this were 100% true there would be No issues what so ever. Private; will the teachers be paid out to the donations? Will the electric be paid out of the donations? Will the books, paper, supplies, be paid out of donations? Will the special bus routes that will have to occur be paid for by donations? NO NO NO NO NO !!!!!

This is a great topic for debate. It's also beneficial that we are getting informed input from city and county officials on this forum. In my opinion, this project is a really great idea if the funds were unlimited. However, state funding for projects such as this has dried up and most likely will not be increased any time in the near future. So it is important to identify and prioritize the needs over the wants. The school for the arts is definitely a 'want' and not a need. Its interesting how quickly this project has been fast-tracked and bumped many others that had been previously identified (Antietam Academy being one of them). Its also interesting that even though I have three children in the school system, I have never been asked whether or not my children would even be interested in attending such a school. Has an actual survey of parents ever been done to see if there really is enough interest in such a school? If so they missed me and all of the other parents that I know. So who has said that this school is really even wanted?

Additionally, the assumptions that this school will operate under the cost savings generated from the students moving from their home schools is an absolute myth. This school will only generate additional expenses because there will be no cost reductions at the home schools. The new school for the arts is said to have a capacity of 300. To ballpark the impact, Washington County has 7 high schools. That would mean that there would be about 40 students from each high school attending the new school. This would amount to about 10 students from each grade at each high school. So where would the savings be? There would not be any less teachers, administrators, bus service etc. at each of the schools. The new school will need a new principal, office staff, teachers, custodians, etc., and all of their costs will be new. This will most likely amount to over $2 million per year. So where is this money going to be coming from?

The real disappointment in all of this is that even though the administrators stress the positive impact of exposing our children to the arts, at my child's elementary school, art and music have been cut back this year. They will be getting 1/3 less time in these areas than they did last year. So it appears that the school officials don't really think that that the arts are really that important. Will this become the trend? Will the arts be cut for the majority of students in Washington County so that the funds can be used to support the new school for the arts? Will bands and drama clubs at the high schools cease to exist because all of the funding will be needed for the new school? Questions such as these are finally being asked, so it will be interesting to see the responses if they ever come.

I will try to answer what little I have gleaned from my reading.

Tech High School graduates often have a job or a college waiting for them. If they fail, they return to their 'home school'. The day at Tech High is shorter to get the kiddoes from the home school to the special school.

I do believe the Performing Arts school is a want...not a need...once the kids graduate from the Arts school, where will they ply their trade? NYC? I think too many people have Fame on the brain...

I have discovered that places like Eastern Elementary were overcrowded before they opened the door..and there is no way to add a 2nd story to this school...

So, let's focus our $ on problems, esp. in the possible chomping down of the money from the state.

Why do the buses--which go to 3 schools w/in 1/2 a mile of each other--SHHS, ERH, Doubs--not have 1 bus schedule..to save gas...have 1 time to start and end, pick up all the kids in a subdivision and drop them at school 1,2 or 3...would this not be a logical cost saving measure? Instead we have 3 different buses come thru at 3 different times--why?

I did not include the amount that will be necessary to fund the school for curriculum etc, because those details for class offerings, teacher ratios, etc. have not been established, and it is my understanding will not be established or planned for until funding is in place. However, the cost per pupil will be roughly the 300 divided by the 10 million or roughly 30,000 per student.

To address the point raised here about the continual decline in arts programs offerings within the regular school curriculum, the proposed 10 million for this school would equate to adding 1 teacher per high school for arts for the next 30 years, not including costs for interest and expected costs for operations, which if done would equate to adding roughly one teacher for arts programs at all schools within the system for roughly 10 years, assuming the cost per teacher at 50,000 per year.

you're forgetting they could get college scholarships, teaching jobs and internships at galleries, dance studios, etc. " the arts" and "fame" are two very different things.

there aren't that many positions available for the 'dancers' and art teachers of the world...most end up getting a nebulous degree, like art history, philosophy & then end up selling insurance or cars in their later life...less than .01% end up with a job in the 'arts'..

The other problem--they are deleting the arts by 1/3 in the elementary schools? Well, 4 years ago they did not have much at all, then 2 years ago we instituted music lessons at the elementary level...my son had to wait for middle school, but then my daughter didn't..so now they are just reverting to the old way--

and as far as art class--I was an art docent for 3 years in TX because they did not have an art program for the elem. schools--we parents got a team together and volunteered to teach it 1x/week...

which is why i think if we CAN provide a school for students gifted in the arts WITHOUT STEALING OPPORTUNITY FROM MAINSTREAM STUDENTS... by all means we should. like I said.. they don't take shop class out of mainstream schools just because tech high is available...

i agree that there arent that many jobs in the general field of "the arts" but that doesnt mean we shouldnt give gifted kids every opportunity to excell. i agree with you that it should not be at the expense of acedemics, or other students.... i juts think we should do whatever we can to provide helpful experiences for all students, no matter what their forte.

For what its worth, I just saw this in the paper. I have not been keeping up so I found it interesting.
................................................................................

Arts school bid approved

The Washington County Board of Education voted Tuesday to approve a construction bid to renovate a downtown building for a new school for the performing arts.

The vote was 7-0.

The board voted to accept the $7.5 million bid from Waynesboro (Pa.) Construction Co.

The school is scheduled to open in August 2009.

ChristineDixon-


I think that everyone in this forum and the county would agree with everything you have said.

The only question is how is other students not suffering by funding this school? They are, they still learn in trailers, they still do not have adequate books, they still do not have enought arts and/or music at their schools, and they still have too many students and not enough teachers. By adding this Exclusive school will not change any of this for anyone with the exception of the 300 or shall we say the top 10% of the general school system. After this is open because the county and city spend OUR money any damn way they seem fit, I would like to see the demographics of the students that attend there. I will bet a pretty penny that it will be something like this 90% white, 90% come from a household that has an income of over $50,000 a year, and 90% will have not live in neighborhoods such as Noland village. These kids already have the advantage shouldn't we be looking to see how we can have the bottom half of the students succeed?

Just a question maybe not because we always need someone to take our order at McDonalds.

I would also question if someone would donate a building in the center of the projects in Halfway would this even be a discussion. I do not think so.

actually i agree with you... the learning facilities in the area need a major upgrade... i guess the thinking is... at least mainstream students HAVE facilities... where as the arts students dont even have a school yet? like i said... i'm certainly not for taking the bread out of anyone's mouth, so to speak, but i think an arts school would be a wonderful addition to our educational system. i'm not sure the income background of students' families has much to do with the education they should recieve though... just because you don't come from an affluent home doesnt mean you cant play the violin. and it CERTAINLY doesnt limit you to being a burger flipper.

It's kind of hard for me to understand the reasoning that somehow we have money to build this new school, but we don't have money to provide basic school supplies or other items required by the schools. Anyone with kids in the school system is now in the sales mode to sell wrapping paper, candy, etc. so that the PTAs can supply the schools with the funds to buy items that the school system doesn't supply. Why do our children have to become salespeople each year? Wouldn't it be better to spend this money to buy what is needed first and then look at what is left over to buy what is wanted?

Yes the school for the arts would be nice, but why not cover what NEEDS to be covered before we start spending money on something that will only require more and more money each year? Just because a building has been donated by a real estate speculator who didn't speculate properly is no reason to build a new school. If Lowe's donates its old buildings aound town, will we then start building other magnet schools? This whole avenue of specialization does not make very much sense. It seems like the completion of this project is intended to inflate resumes rather than to educate the children.

guess it depends on what you mean by "educate". and i'm not disagreeing with you... i would expect the parents who have kids in the alternative school to have to do the fund raisers etc.. it would only be fair...

anyway, the school has already been approved.. apparently... its opening in 2009... a unanimous vote wasnt it? i think i'd just like to know the how's why's and how much's now.... and again... the criteria for getting into this school, since it will be so exclusive and there are no doubt MANY talented kids in the area.

Amen sister! (just kidding) you right on! I'm glad someone has the guts to say it like you do becasue its a fact! Great progress on the New Arts school funding approval, great for downtown. Did anyone else here about a new theater that will open in January 2008 on East Washington street, (somewhere around there) visit the website for more: www.potomacplaymakers.com Not a new company, but new theater, heard its gonna be great, as downtown incorporates the arts more and more, progress, progress, and more progress.

Wish I had more time to reply to this EXCELLENT discussion, but I have to run my budding actress off to a rehearsal in my 1995 Hyundai....I'm not rich, but I would like to send her to the arts school, which would be her freshman year if it does indeed open in 2009.

BTW, her audition in DC went well, and they called her back for the second round....sill waiting to see if gets the part....c'mon Lincoln's ghost, do us some magic at the Ford Theatre!!

by the way when will the old Sears building be converted into office units? I read a while back that the city was involved in converting the old sears building and the Longmeadow shopping center, when will that actaully happen?

"i'm not sure the income background of students' families has much to do with the education they should recieve though... just because you don't come from an affluent home doesnt mean you cant play the violin."

Completely agree however, usually families that have a little extra at the end of the month are able to help blossom their childs talent with private lessons; better instruments; and a vehicle (rather it be a lexus or a 1995 Hyundia) and gas money to take them to lessons, rehersals, and tryouts. Please don't take this the wrong way momsapilot I am not trying to judge. Over all I do believe in the school. I just think that unlike the Hagerstown City Council I am hoping that the County Comish will be a little more stingy with OUR money. However, I doubt that happens, I mean they funded Potomac Case Management after they could not make it on their own because an employee that they hired when unchecked and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Not to beat a dead horse but how many students that are at this school will come from Noland Village, Jonathan Street, Locust Street, Mulberry Street, any of the towers, halfway manor ect.......? Maybe the token 10% but I doubt it.

This topic is going extremely well talking about the music arts school, please try to stay on topic. Your question may be posted on a more appropriate thread or perhaps start another topic asking about the old Sears building.

Thanks.

The ModSquad

I went to the BOE website and found information about Capital Improvement plan for last year. On the list of school construction/improvement projects for the upcoming years, the school for the arts was listed as #18. Now it has jumped way ahead of other projects. It has bypassed construction for the new Eastern Primary, the new Antietam Academy, the new East City High School and the Bester Elementary replacement school. It has also bypassed major renovations for Boonsboro Elementary, E. Russell Hicks and Fountain Rock. So maybe someone can explain to all the students from the schools that were bumped on the list why they are not as important any more.

I can not keep up with the information, it is sounding intriguing.
School for the Arts hits a clitch, conflicting information:
............................................................................
School board vice president insulted by formation of new panel, 9/19/07
By ERIN CUNNINGHAM erinc@herald-mail.com

HAGERSTOWN - Washington County Board of Education Vice President Wayne D. Ridenour on Tuesday called a decision to create a third committee dedicated to the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts "absurd."

Ridenour and Board Member Paul W. Bailey are liaisons to the two existing committees. Ridenour said the decision to create another committee was actually hurting the project and was offensive to he and Bailey.

"It's absurd," Ridenour said. "I find offense with it. I'm insulted by it."

He said it was offensive for board members to say they were not getting the information they needed from Ridenour and Bailey.

The board voted 4-2 Tuesday in favor of creating the ad hoc committee to handle some issues with the school that is scheduled to open in 2009. Ridenour and Bailey were opposed.

Board Member Ruth Anne Callaham abstained from the vote, as she did earlier this month when board members were asked their opinions on the subject.

At that time, she said that some board members were not satisfied about the amount of information they were receiving about the project.

Board Member Donna Brightman said she hoped the committee would be an opportunity for the board to work together.

Ridenour said that it was offensive for the board to say that he and Bailey were not providing enough information to fellow board members.

He said another layer of oversight was not needed on the project.

"I don't understand how due diligence can be considered another layer," Brightman said.

She said the committee was necessary because the board has a responsibility to be efficient.

"I just do not feel this is necessary," he said. "It's a slap in the face of the people who are working on this thing day and night that there is any kind of belief that you cannot get information from them."

Information...why didn't you say so....

So far I have the following information about this project:

Lunch provided...some program
Bus service...some way
Cost...some amount
Classroom space....some where
Library use...some how
Enrollment...some mix

And that is what I am being asked to sign a letter of support for the BOE to spend 8 million.

So based on that information you will probably support it along with the other commish because you always spend OUR money like it is yours. Since you guys fund things that will only benefit a few I would like to put in a few request of my own, Indoor gun range, big screen TV's downtown (like New York), and free taxi rides for drunks. Thanks.....

[font="Century Gothic"][/font]There I just saved a ton of money & time--and answered the questions..no further study needed...

conclusion: this school is an 'extra' which should not come out of the limited county budget for schools.

Well, I doubt I will see changeisgood back on this thread, and I am about done making my point but one thing that bugged me in recalling your remarks, as I thought about it early this morning, was your accusation that I was comparing funding one vs. another and especially to the degree of funding one in the City vs. in the rural areas. Nowhere in my comments quoted in the paper did I make a remark remotely close to your fabrication. You state "I think its ridiculous when a washington county commisioner questions why the county was is being able to fund money for the new downtown hagerstown Arts school and not a new school campus in the growing rural areas." When did I state that or make such comparison? For the record, the Antietam Academy would most likely be located next to ER Hicks and Tech Ed, which is also in the City, and would support students from all areas of the County middle and high school system, much like the arts school.

Hopefully, for the children, the powers that be will keep the communication channels open and not resort to bickering, or putting down comments/concern of others. I think questions are great at any level, sadly this saga has been bubbling for two years or so with the same questions. You can't buy a paper and not see an article of some related meeting. It has to be frustrating to those who have sat through those meetings and gotten to this point of not knowing. That is what I found amazing, all those meetings and there are still questions, and a definite start date. That was my point. I salute all elected officials who give of their time and expertise, especially when it involves programs for youth.....................While I support the school for the arts I also see so many other needs, my hat is off to those making the hard calls on what to prioritize...................Ya wanna talk about tech, I can give a first hand account. There are many areas all over the county with needs. When it comes to schools, everyone thinks their situation is the most critical, or that their position is the right one. Sadly, the money is limited and decisions have to be made. It is hard.

Kid:

Thanks for your insight on this issue. Can you tell us more about the status? For example, it appears that the BOE has already signed a contract for construction on this. How can this be? Has this been approved by the commissioners in the capital budget or is this being done with general funds? If this is being done with general funds, do you think that the BOE officals have done an adequate job informing the public of the risks associated with this? If the BOE signs a long term lease agreement for this, we will be obligated to pay about $800,000 per year (based on what I've heard) just for the lease and much more in operating expenses. If state funding for education does not increase, the WC citizens will be responsible for this. If we don't have the money to pay this, the budget will need to get cut, and at that point, everyone can suffer just so that this school can be built. How is the budget outlook for Washington County in the next few years? Will we be able to pick up the projected budget shortfalls that the state will be encountering in addition to optional expenses such as this school? Thanks.

What Is this really true? If so, it's a bunch of BS.

Everything else gets put on hold, just so this Art School can be built. Why not just renovate a old building, there's plenty of them around sitting empty. The other schools needed to be updated a long time ago. From what I read on the forum a few years back.

Who's Funding This Project? Is it going to be private or the county & city tax payers money?

Because Demacore and Bowman are creating the quintessential entertainment spot of Maryland in downtown.

They don't want to stinking artsy fartsy school amongst all of that.

I cannot answer some of the questions simply because I am not a BOE member, do not make decisions for the BOE, and would hesitate to provide info on their behalf. However, for those comments after you, the school will be in an "old" building downtown across the street from Demcore and Bowman development, nad an integral part of the development of the A&E district.

it is not that the other programs are being put on hold, because the funding for this project is coming from an alternative funding method the BOe is using, in part because funds for this endeavor may not qualify under the State model for funding of public education facilities in the traditional sense that all of the other projects are listed.

1. The BOE has approved the contract, and I thus if not already I would assume it will be signed in the near future.
2. This is being done with an alternative funding source and thus not approved within the traditional County CIP for projects, and thus does not really require our approval for the BOE to proceed under this method. However, we were asked this past week to sign off on a letter of support, of which a majority of BOCC favored, but as I stated months ago, I need some details to agree to such letter of support, nad am not satisfied that the BOE forward funded 700,000 in savings to the project and has not accounted for this amount in the overall cost to the public for this project.
3. The debt service figure sounds correct, I am not certain of the annual operating expense, and the BOCC is not responsbile for this incurred debt if the BOE cannot produce adequate funding for these costs.
4. The BOCC and BOE are aware of the pending State budget issues, but I think we have not given them adequate consideration in our spending policies for this past budget year.
5.Given the downturn in revenue from various market factors, namely housing, and coupled with the expected increae in state fees and decrease in state shared revenue and the spending policies we are leading off with, I think we are not preparing ourselves appropriately for these unknown circumstances.

Kid:

Thank you for your answers. It is very refreshing to have someone in elected office give such straight-forward and honest replies. On the topic of the financing for this project, I am only awre of two types of funds available to the school system (capital and general). If the funding is not coming from the capital budget, wouldn't it have to come from the general budget? If so, isn't that something that needs approval each year from the BOCCs? If this financing is embedded into the general fund for the next 20 years or so, it would seem that an overall reduction in allocated funds for the schools (as will most likely happen for the reasons that you mentioned) would put all of hte other schools in jeopardy so that the legal obigation for paying off this long-term debt could be met first. This would mean probable cuts to the basic services to ALL students just so this payment could be met. This gets back to a basic question: is this school a 'need' or a 'want'? In the long run, this 'want' will detract from the 'needs' of all students.

One last question (for now). Have you ever seen any survey results to say that the parents of school children in Washington County actually want this school? If not, what has been the driving factor for this school? Thanks.

Kid since you are helping out with this discussion could you answer another question? I was told by an unreliable source that possibly children from out of county and state may also attend this specialized school, any truth to this?

Drevin- a group of folks are planning on raising the money just as a group of folks raised the money for North's stadium. However, once the money is raised the upkeep, teachers and admins saleraries, utilities, supplies ect. will come out of the budget.

I just realized that we had this discussion in 2004--is a school for the arts needed? And BMIC was a strong proponent of the whole idea..

It is my understanding to date that the school will be open for students from outside of Washington County and I guess Maryland to apply to attend the school. They would obviously have to pay some fee to do so. I guess it will also be open for those in our in-county private schools to apply to attend as well.

ok--so now we are going to take money away from our taxes to pay for OPCs???

Jeez...

OK, everyone where are all of those great arguments that this is needed. It is so needed that we are going to open it up to people from out of county and state. WOW, now that you said that I change my vote and feel that this county truly needs this school. It is such a great idea that people from other areas going to fill it. (this is a joke)


How many kids are in the Washington County School system? Something like 21,000 and not even 300 will use this school.

Is it also true that the building is not large enough to house the learning part and the arts part so the students will learn at the University of Maryland center?

It has been my undrestanding from inception of this process that the students would attend their arts related clases in the BISFA building, use library services at the Washington County Library, and attend their regualr classroom settings in class room space provided free of charge by the USMH for a five year period. However, when we adked the USMH Director about this issue 2 weeks ago at our BOCC meeting, he stated that the USMH evening and now day time class needs are growing faster than anticipated, and unlike the informal agreement to provide classroom space for BISFA severla years ago when the concept was getting off the ground, he cannot guarantee space for regualr classroom instruction for the five year period due to the fact that the USMH building must provide any available classroom space first to those paying university systems that desire to offer course classes at USMH that would need the space at those same time, but again this agreement has not been finalized between the BOE and USMH, so I am not certain what flexibility the final agreement will include. My only question is what is the plan to address this need for classspace long term as both entities succeed in needing space or the USMH cannot provide space as is currently beleived.