8 Schools Receive Air Conditioning Under Superintendent's Proposed Capital Budget

School system Superintendent S. Dallas Dance is requesting air conditioning funding for eight schools in his fiscal year 2014 state capital budget proposal—a stark contrast to his predecessor.

Former Superintendent Joe Hairston from Comptroller Peter Franchot in January for not requesting any air conditioning funds for the fiscal year 2013 budget. At this point, 36 percent of county schools have classrooms without air conditioning, according to figures provided by Baltimore County.

The schools slated for air conditioning are listed in the budget, which is attached to this article.

In a in late July, Dance said that heat issues at schools are a "top, top priority."

The Board of Education is reviewing the proposal from Dance requesting about $72 million for school infrastructure.

The board is scheduled to discuss the budget, which seeks $72,275,070 for 30 school projects, at an Aug. 21 work session. The items in the budget are listed by priority order.

Other items of note include approximately $15 million renovations of both Hereford and Pikesville high schools, and funding for elementary schools in the Lutherville area—listed as the top priority— as well as the northwest corridor. 

The school board will vote on the proposal at its Sept. 4 meeting. If passed, Dance's recommendations will go before the Maryland Board of Public Works.