The Board of Education has revised the proposed policy on private contributions for facilities. A second draft of the proposed policy has been tentatively adopted by the Board of Education for public review and comment.
A copy of the revised policy is available as a PDF file at: http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/info/press/Draft2PolicyCNE.pdf.
The revised draft would establish guidelines for accepting non-Montgomery County government funds for facility improvements that qualify as capital investments. Private funds would be limited to improvements to facilities and school sites that are considered fixed assets, meet established capital budget funding criteria, and have a minimum life cycle of 15 years. Such improvements would include those that benefit a school or a school-sponsored activity, such as playground equipment, stadium lighting or theatrical equipment.
The policy would prohibit funds for capital projects that are the responsibility of the school system and county and state governments, including support of core building space and maintenance of the physical plant.
In addition, the policy would require consideration of key factors in approving funds for facility improvements, such as equity issues, future liabilities, safety and security concerns, support for program implementation and support for community services.
Comments in writing should be sent by Oct. 25 to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.