Howard County community members, including students, parents, and educators, are making their voices heard in support of much-needed renovations at Oakland Mills High School. Despite not having the renovation proposal formally listed on the meeting agenda, attendees of the Howard County Board of Education gathering last night spoke up during the public comment period to press for action. According to WBAL-TV, teacher Amy Brooks emphasized that taxpayer dollars should ensure students have "water they can drink, air they can breathe and classrooms that are climate-controlled enough that they can focus."
The Board of Education previously plotted to include Oakland Mills in the 2027 budget, but in a November vote, they decided against proceeding with the high school's renovations. Instead, they opted for a spread of smaller construction projects.
In response to the deferral of their school's renovations, students at Oakland Mills High School staged an early departure from campus yesterday, holding a protest on their football field. The unapproved walkout – resulting in an unexcused absence for participants – was underscored by the OMHS administrative team as a commendable action, as per a statement reported by CBS News Baltimore. Students and administrative support argue that the long-overdue improvements are critical for a conducive learning environment.
Despite the board discussing potential reprioritization when the budget returns from the state in January, many families are losing hope due to the prolonged process and continual delays. Parent Lena Kennedy, in an interview with CBS News Baltimore, expressed her frustration at the fight, which seemed unending since her junior was an infant in 2009. HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes and district staff have indicated that uncertainty lingers over whether the current list would be fully funded.
