Williamsport High School Nears Reopening as Asbestos Remediation Concludes, WCPS Establishes FY27 Priorities and Capital Improvement Plan

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) has provided an update on the ongoing asbestos remediation at Williamsport High School (WHS), a process that has kept the school closed for nearly 10 weeks. The school shut down after asbestos fibers were discovered outside a contained area designated for a construction project. The school board received information detailing a multi-stage decontamination process managed by an industrial hygienist, which has involved cleaning and testing materials that can be salvaged, with over five truckloads of items already processed and stored off-site.

The reopening of WHS is contingent upon the completion of this decontamination and several subsequent construction projects. The school district highlighted that priority was given to cleaning and removing items essential for athletics, fine arts, and special education programs, ensuring students had necessary equipment for their activities. The Williamsport community has demonstrated significant support for WHS students, organizing fundraisers and providing alternative spaces for in-person learning and engagement with school staff. Students have also been able to maintain connections through participation in clubs and activities at various locations.

The Board of Education also reviewed the outcomes of expanded summer learning programs, an initiative aimed at addressing student achievement gaps. At the elementary level, 16 sites hosted 1,009 students, with approximately 74% showing regular attendance. Over 63% of these students demonstrated improvement in mathematics, averaging an 11% growth. English Language Arts (ELA) results for elementary students are expected to be assessed this fall. For middle school students, 129 participated in the InnovatED Learning Center with 87% regular attendance. Math scores for middle schoolers showed significant growth, with 35% improvement in 6th grade, 46% in 7th grade, and 26% in 8th grade, while ELA assessments are ongoing. At the high school level, 469 students enrolled in the program at South Hagerstown High, with nearly 94% attendance. These students successfully earned 86 out of 90 attempted original credits and 336 out of 379 repeat credits. Additionally, 27 students successfully completed their graduation requirements and were recognized at a ceremony. The summer program, which included transportation, meals, and targeted instruction in reading and math, was completed under budget, costing less than $1 million.

In other developments, a new general contractor has been appointed for the construction of Downsville Pike Elementary School. Following a bid award to one contractor, a subsequent challenge led to a review by the superintendent’s team and legal advisors, who determined the contract should be awarded to another company. Consequently, the Board rescinded the initial award and has now contracted with Waynesboro Construction, Inc., the company that met qualifications with the lowest bid, for $37,752,260.

The Board has also approved its six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2027–2032. This plan details upcoming school construction and renovation projects and outlines the necessary funding from state and local sources. Key aspects of the CIP include continued funding for the Downsville Pike Elementary School project, which is projected to save local taxpayers approximately $4 million due to coming in under budget. The plan also requests funding for an addition at Jonathan Hager Elementary to create additional classrooms and pre-kindergarten space, with the state expected to cover a larger portion of these costs. Further funding requests are designated for essential maintenance projects, such as roof repairs, and updates to boiler, chiller, and HVAC systems. Looking ahead, the plan includes provisions for significant future projects, including the replacement of Clear Spring Middle/High School and another elementary school. The total funding anticipated over the six-year period is approximately $274 million.

The Board also established its Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Priorities, ordering them as follows: Culture, Safety, and Wellness; Student Success; Access and Opportunity; and Community Engagement. These priorities align with the four core areas of WCPS’ strategic plan, “Your Journey, Our Commitment.” In addition to budget priorities, the Board approved NOOM as the new Weight Management Program for WCPS employees and their dependents. This program provides access to NOOM’s weight management tools and support. While participants may opt to use weight loss medications such as GLP-1, the costs for these medications will be the responsibility of the individual. This new employee benefit is intended to enhance wellness support for staff and their families, particularly as WCPS will no longer cover the costs of GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

Furthermore, the Board accepted a $20,000 donation from Landon’s Puzzle Pieces. This contribution will be used to equip sensory and motor room items for the Enhanced Programs at Funkstown Elementary School, which serves students who benefit from integrated academic and medical support within a single school environment.

The Board also acknowledged several student accomplishments from the 2024-2025 school year, including state championships for the Unified Track teams from North Hagerstown High School and Smithsburg High School, and the North Hagerstown Tri-M Music Honor Society being named State Chapter of the Year.

Upcoming public meetings for the WCBOE include a Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting on September 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., and a Facilities Committee Meeting on the same day at 1:00 p.m. A Work Session is scheduled for October 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Business Meeting on October 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Public Schools

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