Community rallies for urgent upgrades at Frederick Douglass High School

During a recent government meeting, Candice Perkins, president of the Frederick Douglass High School (FDHS) Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO), passionately advocated for urgent renovations and upgrades to the school, which has been serving the community since 1959. Speaking on behalf of the FDHS community, Perkins highlighted several critical needs that must be addressed in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2631 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

Perkins emphasized the necessity of reevaluating outdated utilization data from the 2017 Educational Facilities Master Plan, which reported a 66% utilization rate. She argued that this data does not reflect the current post-pandemic enrollment trends, which are expected to exceed 1,100 students this year. The PTSO president called for the school to be upgraded from its current cycle three phase to cycle one, which would prioritize funding for a complete remodeling of the facility.

Among the pressing issues Perkins raised were the urgent need to replace the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the gymnasiums, which currently lack air conditioning, and to address the longstanding need for stadium upgrades and fire alarm replacements. She criticized the temporary solutions that have been implemented, such as fans, and urged decision-makers to take permanent action.

Perkins also highlighted the school's impressive achievements, including a 93% graduation rate and its recognition as one of the top schools in Prince George's County, which has attracted many students to transfer to FDHS. She concluded her remarks by urging local officials to prioritize the school's needs in the CIP, emphasizing that the community deserves better support and resources for its scholars.