Almond: BCPS Budget Includes Air Conditioning for PHS, Wellwood

Pikesville High and Fort Garrison Elementary schools could get air conditioning  if the proposed Baltimore County Public Schools budget is approved.

"Air conditioning all of our schools and improving classrooms is a challenge that Baltimore County is meeting head on," Baltimore County Councilwoman Vicki Almond said in a statement.

The council met Thursday to discuss that budget, which includes more than $3.12 million for Fort Garrison's air conditioning that could be completed by October 2014, a news release from Almond states.

Air conditioning is included in the $16.63 million for the high school's major renovations, that could be completed by August 2016, the release states. The high school's projects, include a new roof and classrooms renovations.

The proposed BCPS budget also includes air conditioning at Sudbrook Magnet Middle School and Wellwood International Elementary in Pikesville, and Franklin Elementary in Owings Mills, it states.

Almond said teamwork between BCPS Superintendent Dance, the Baltimore County Board of Education, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and the 11th District team helped secure state and county funds to pay for the projects.

"These leaders all recognize that, even in challenging fiscal times, education remains our number one priority," she said in a statement.

What do you think of the schools possibly getting air conditioning for the first time? Tell us in the comments.