At the Monday, September 19, 2022, Board of Education Meeting, the Garrett County Board of Education voted to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation (with modifications) to modernize the Southern Middle School facility to become a PreK-6th grade facility; for Southern Garrett High School to become 7th -12th grade facility; and for Broad Ford Elementary to eventually be demolished. The Board also voted to hire a project manager to oversee these major projects and requested a feasibility study be completed to explore the options for modernizing Crellin Elementary.
Superintendent Barbara Baker stated, “I want to thank the Board of Education for taking this bold step to get these major capital projects completed. The students deserve safe and secure buildings in which to learn. The improved learning spaces will enhance the entire educational process! Thanks also go out to the principals, the stakeholders who served on the committee, the great people at Grimm + Parker, and my administrative team.”
Shown here is a preliminary rendering of the new PreK-6th grade elementary school that was created and modified after work with stakeholders, teachers, administrators, support personnel, and our educational partners. As the process continues, additional feedback will be sought to ensure the new facility meets the needs of diverse learners. Ms. Baker continued, “The projects must still be approved by the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) with funding support from the Garrett County Commissioners. I am confident that we will be approved to move forward.” Occupancy in the new elementary school is tentatively scheduled for the 2026-2027 school year.
