Marks, Huff: County Needs More Vo-Tech High Schools

Two councilmen are hoping to lead the charge to bring more vo-tech high schools to Baltimore County.

On Wednesday, the school system touted the fact that nearly will be attending college. But Todd Huff (R-District 3) and David Marks (R-District 5) want more options for students for whom college might not be a good fit.

"The ones that we do have are at capacity," said Huff, who does not have a college degree and championed alternative trade education during his "There's definitely a need for tradesmen."

School system spokesman Charles Herndon said the county's vo-tech high schools aren't completely filled but certain programs may be.

Huff, who works in the automative service industry in a family business, said he'd ideally like to see a new vo-tech school in his district, which covers Cockeysville, Lutherville-Timonium and North County, but notes a need for one near Perry Hall as well. 

The majority of the county's vo-tech schools such as Sollers Point High School and Chesapeake High School are located in the eastern part of the county.

Marks, who represents Perry Hall, said a vo-tech school in the area would help alleviate

"For about a dozen years, we wanted a new high school," Marks said. "But that could cost more than $60 million. A vo-tech school is an excellent idea."

Marks said he understands that the school system's budget is tight, but hopes to secure property to build a vo-tech school—possibly in White Marsh and with an environmental theme—in the next few years.

Both councilmen said they want to meet with to explore the issue. Dance said the school system would have to investigate if there is a need for such schools.

"We have to look at labor statistics, where are the new jobs going to be," Dance said.