Modify Policy on Use of Athletic Fields

After Hurricane Irene, county employees were rightfully focused on restoring power and removing debris from our communities.  Many schools were closed for up to a week due to power problems, even though the athletic fields were free of debris.

 

The Board of Education currently has a rule in which athletic fields are automatically closed  during an unplanned, emergency school closure.  In the days after Hurricane Irene, recreation councils could not use the fields at many schools even though they were free of debris.  This problem was brought to my attention by a coach with the Perry Hall Recreation Council.

 

All seven members of the Baltimore County Council have written to Superintendent Joe Hairston asking that the rule be adjusted.  If there are public safety concerns, we understand the importance of the rule.  Local supervisors should still have discretion.  A blanket prohibition against using athletic fields, however, is not fair to all of our families who pay taxes to use these facilities.  

 

I represent some of the largest and most active recreation councils in Baltimore County, including the Perry Hall, Greater Loch Raven, Parkville, Towson, and White Marsh Recreation Councils.   A rule adjustment could benefit thousands of Baltimore County families.

The Mays Chapel Elementary School Site

I provided the following as a response to a request from the Forge Flyer:

The Mays Chapel and Dulaney Springs sites.
Source:  Towson Times

I support the Mays Chapel site for a new elementary school, and I have communicated that to County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, Superintendent Joe Hairston, and my friend and colleague County Councilman Todd Huff.  Councilman Huff has heard from many constituents who oppose the Mays Chapel site, and I can understand why they would want to preserve such a large, undeveloped area.  But I am motivated to support the Mays Chapel site for a number of reasons. 

First, it offers the fastest way to provide relief to overcrowded schools along the York Road corridor.  The property is already owned by Baltimore County and there are fewer environmental constraints than the alternate location at Dulaney Springs.  I am told the school can be opened by the fall of 2014.

Second, if the school system moves forward with the proposal to move some West Towson Elementary School students to Ridge Ruxton Elementary School, I want a plan that makes this disruption as brief as possible.  I understand the concerns of parents from both schools.  The Mays Chapel location offers the fastest route to a solution.

Third, the Mays Chapel location has been "on the books" for decades.  

Fourth, geographically the Mays Chapel location seems to make sense.  The September 2011 enrollment numbers demonstrate that school overcrowding affects elementary schools along the entire York Road corridor, from Towson to Hunt Valley.  Mays Chapel will help reduce overcrowding not just in Towson, but in Ruxton, Lutherville, and Cockeysville as well.

Although I know my position will be criticized by some, I will defend the Mays Chapel location because it offers the fastest relief for schoolchildren in central Baltimore County.