Williamsport High School Nears Full Reopening, Boonsboro Athletics Set for Upgrades

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is making significant strides in its recovery and development, with key updates emerging from the Board of Education’s recent public business meeting. Williamsport High School is on track to welcome students back to its main building by January 21, 2026, following extensive asbestos remediation. Meanwhile, Boonsboro High School is set to receive substantial upgrades to its outdoor athletic facilities through a new public-private partnership.

The remediation efforts at Williamsport High School have successfully cleared its main and auxiliary gyms, weight room, locker rooms, restrooms, and concession stand of asbestos. These areas have already reopened for winter sports, with air and wipe samples confirming the absence of asbestos fibers. While HVAC and cleaning contractors continue their work throughout the building, the target date for full student return remains in early 2026. Despite the temporary disruptions, WCPS has maintained student engagement through various social events, senior traditions, and field trips. The school has also enhanced support for college applications with both in-person and online options, alongside virtual workshops covering beneficial topics. Athletic programs at Williamsport High School have also seen recent success, with volleyball and boys soccer teams clinching CMC championships, and winter sports commencing in the newly reopened gym.

In a move to enhance athletic infrastructure, the Board of Education has approved an agreement to upgrade multiple outdoor athletic facilities at Boonsboro High School. This initiative is a public-private partnership that will involve relocating the baseball field, adding a new pressbox and batting cage to the softball field, and installing artificial turf and new lighting in the stadium. Concession stand improvements and the construction of a new multi-use artificial turf practice field are also part of the project. The Board of Education is committing $750,000 to this endeavor. However, the Boonsboro Athletic Boosters are responsible for raising the remaining $6,045,379, which includes funds earmarked for future turf replacement, before construction can begin.

The district is also addressing the critical area of teacher recruitment and retention. While the number of educators leaving WCPS remains within expected levels and the applicant pool is growing, a significant challenge lies in the certification status of many candidates. To address this long-term, WCPS is prioritizing “grow-your-own” programs designed to cultivate future educators from within the existing staff and student body. These initiatives include an ESP-to-Teacher Pathway, high school tutor apprenticeships, and early exposure programs to the teaching profession. Complementing these internal development strategies, WCPS is actively recruiting through job fairs, virtual events, and college partnerships. This school year, over 180 new teachers joined the district and participated in an induction academy focused on classroom strategies, mentorship, and preparation for their first days. New educators receive ongoing support for their initial three years, including coaching and regular check-ins, contributing to higher retention rates compared to many districts nationwide.

The Board of Education also acknowledged and accepted several significant community donations aimed at enriching student opportunities across WCPS. Smithsburg High School will benefit from a $150,000 gift from the PAA Foundation for auditorium improvements. Boonsboro High School received over $25,000 from the Boonsboro Athletic Boosters for its volleyball, golf, boys soccer, and cheerleading programs. North Hagerstown High School was granted $12,524 from SAT/Leading Edge Fundraising to acquire new band uniforms and cover travel expenses. Clear Spring High School received a $10,000 donation from the Hagerstown Area Police Athletic League to support the upcoming launch of a wrestling program. Furthermore, WCPS received $25,000 from Volvo to bolster VEX robotics programs across elementary, middle, and high schools.

Residents are reminded that the Board of Education will hold a single business meeting in December on December 9, 2025. This meeting, scheduled for the second Tuesday of the month, will include opportunities for public comment and decision-making on various agenda items.

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

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