Washington County students and families can expect new school buildings, higher lunch costs, and expanded special education services in the coming years following several approvals by the Washington County Board of Education. The Board’s decisions encompass a wide-ranging 2025 Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP), new labor agreements, increased meal prices, and multiple infrastructure and contract renewals aimed at improving the school system’s operations.
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The 2025 EFMP, now set for state submission by July 1, includes a county-wide facility assessment, enrollment projections, and a long-term capital project schedule. The five top-priority construction efforts are a new Downsville Pike Elementary School, an addition to Jonathan Hager Elementary, replacement facilities for Clear Spring Middle and High Schools, and two new elementary schools. These projects aim to address capacity issues and aging infrastructure across the district.
Meanwhile, the Board approved agreements that will affect employee compensation. A four-year contract with the Washington County Educational Support Personnel runs through 2027, with wage increases starting in July 2025. A separate memorandum was approved with the Washington County Association of Supervisors and Administrators to address their 2025-2026 salaries.
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To account for rising operational costs, school lunch prices will increase by 10 cents for elementary and secondary students, raising costs to $2.65 and $2.90 respectively. Staff lunches will go up by 20 cents, totaling $5.95. In a move to expand access to free meals, the district will add 11 more Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools in fiscal year 2026, joining 15 others already participating.
The district is also set to receive nearly $6 million in federal funds to boost special education services under the Local Application for Federal Funds (LAFF) Grant. The funding will support staffing, materials, and services for students in both public and private placements.
Several contracts were renewed or awarded to continue essential services, including food procurement, GPS tracking for school buses, and athletic trainer coverage at seven high schools. Notably, the Board approved a new HVAC services agreement running through 2028 and renewed licenses for digital classroom management tools through 2026.
Other actions include policy revisions under initial review, surplus property transfers, and updates to agreements with local educational foundations and community partners. One notable land transaction involves 1.6 acres at Boonsboro High School, which will support a road reconfiguration project.
The Board also celebrated the achievements of special education professionals with the presentation of the 2024-2025 Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) Awards, recognizing individuals for their exceptional service to students with disabilities.
Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the Washington County Board of Education press release.
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