Planning and Construction develops school facilities that meet student population and educational program requirements and is responsible for managing resources that are organized to provide a variety of project management related services in the areas of school planning, design and construction for the purposes of modernizing, renovating and improving educational facilities.
Through the management of in-house staff and out-sourced contracted services Planning and Construction will effectively and efficiently manage the delivery of services associated with the Capital Improvement Program. The department utilizes demographic information, educational specifications, procurement practices, architectural and engineering parameters, and budget data to deliver planning and construction related services in support of High Student Achievement.
Maryland State Rules, Regulations, and Procedures for the Administration of the School Construction Program require that Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) and each Local Education Agency (LEA) annually submit an amended copy of the Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP) by July 1st.
Each year, HCPS reviews and analyzes the capital needs of the school system. A capital budget is recommended by the Superintendent to the Board of Education (Board) for approval. The Board adopts a capital budget prior to October 1st.
The EFMP is a planning tool that addresses the LEA’s projected facility needs. The information, analysis, and conclusions validate the priorities for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). In order to develop a capital program, HCPS must consider:
- System-wide program requirements
- Age of existing facilities
- Student enrollment
- School capacity
- Population trends
- Residential development
- Condition of existing building systems
Each year the Board of Education, school staff, and community, review and analyze the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the Board to establish priorities as it secures County and State funding for capital improvements and program requirements. Projects may be funded over several years and allocations may be carried forward over multiple years until a project or initiative is completed. In the development of the CIP HCPS must consider:
- Student enrollment
- Building capacity
- Population growth
- Building condition
- Educational program requirements
- Technology requirements
Objectives
The Department of Planning and Construction manages a six-year capital program which
includes systemic renovations, additions, new construction, school modernizations,
and the purchase and movement of portable classrooms. Reports are provided to advise
the Board on current and timely issues and as an overview of the program status.
Quarterly Project Status Report