During a recent public hearing, the Prince George's County Board of Education discussed the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2026 through 2031, led by Chief Operating Officer Dr. Sharaska Coleman. The plan outlines a proposed budget of $177 million for the fiscal year 2026, with funding sources split between $114 million from the county and $64 million from the state. Over the six-year period, the total funding request amounts to approximately $1.78 billion.

Dr. Coleman emphasized the importance of the CIP in addressing the needs of educational facilities, which include planning, designing, renovating, and constructing projects based on the Educational Facilities Master Plan. The meeting was structured to prioritize community input, with no immediate responses from school administration to public comments.

Fiscal Supervisor Ricardo Smith highlighted key projects within the CIP, including a significant $37 million allocation for roof replacements, addressing aging infrastructure in the district. Major projects outlined include $32.8 million for Suitland High School and $42 million for the Cool Springs project, with most funding anticipated from state sources.

Smith also noted additional requests for $3.6 million to meet county mandates related to safety and compliance, including ADA code corrections and asbestos management. Other projects in the pipeline include a new high school in the Northern Adelphi area and renovations at various existing schools.

The board is seeking community feedback on the proposed plan, which aims to enhance the educational environment for students and staff across the district.