Parents, students, and teachers from Oakland Mills High School gathered outside the Howard County Board of Education building on Thursday, voicing their frustration over a recent decision to delay long-awaited renovations. The community claims the board broke a promise to upgrade their aging school, which they describe as having unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
Key Takeaways
- The Howard County Board of Education voted to fund renovations at three smaller schools instead of a major overhaul for Oakland Mills High School.
- Protesters, including students, parents, and staff, allege the board broke a promise to renovate their school in 2027.
- Concerns about the school's condition include mold and general disrepair, with some calling the environment unhealthy.
- The community has pledged to continue protesting through the budget process in January.
Community Rallies Over Deferred Renovations
Chants and the sound of cowbells filled the air in Ellicott City as dozens of community members held signs demanding action. The protest followed a November 6 Board of Education meeting where the capital improvements budget for Fiscal Year 2027 was decided. Instead of greenlighting the comprehensive renovation for Oakland Mills, the board opted for a different approach.
Board members voted to allocate funds to three smaller projects. The decision was framed as a way to maximize the impact of available funds across a larger number of students. "(We're) starting with the smaller projects (with the) same dollar amount and going for the biggest impact on the number of students through their pathways," explained Board of Education member Antonia Watts during the meeting.
This explanation, however, has not satisfied the Oakland Mills community. They feel their school, one of the oldest in Columbia, has been unfairly overlooked. Many believe a commitment was made to address the building's significant issues.
Background on the Decision
The Howard County Board of Education regularly reviews and approves a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to address maintenance, renovation, and construction needs across the district's schools. Decisions are often based on factors like building age, student population, safety reports, and available funding. The vote on November 6 prioritized spreading the FY 2027 funds across multiple smaller-scale projects rather than concentrating them on one large-scale renovation like the one proposed for Oakland Mills.
Health and Safety Concerns at the Forefront
For many parents, the protest is about more than just aesthetics; it's about their children's well-being. The building's condition has been a persistent source of worry, with some citing specific health hazards.
"While she's there, I want them to make the school safe, and it's not because they have mold and things," said Christina Lively, a parent at the protest, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Her sentiment was shared by many who feel the learning environment is compromised by the state of the facility.
The board has acknowledged the need for quality facilities. In the November meeting, Chairwoman Jolene Mosley stated, "We want them to have good facilities. We want them to be proud of their school building. We want them to be there, right?" Despite these words, protesters feel the board's actions contradict this goal for Oakland Mills students.
A Long-Standing Issue
Oakland Mills High School is one of the oldest high school buildings in Columbia, Maryland. Many of its core systems and structural components are decades old, leading to persistent maintenance challenges and calls for a complete overhaul from its community for several years.
A Promise Unkept
A central theme of the protest was the feeling of betrayal. Teachers and parents repeatedly mentioned a promise they believe the board made to renovate the school, with a target date of 2027. The recent vote is seen as a direct reversal of that commitment.
"We're not asking for anything special, just keep your promise. You said you were going to renovate us in 2027. So do it," stated Erika Goldsmith, a teacher at the school, who joined the demonstration.
This sense of a broken promise has mobilized the community, transforming disappointment into organized action. The protests are not just a reaction to a single vote but the culmination of years of advocacy for their school.
Students Find Their Voice
The demonstration was not limited to adults. Students were also present, holding signs and speaking out about the conditions they face daily. Their involvement underscores the direct impact of the board's decision on the school's primary occupants.
Mya Lively, a student, expressed her motivation for attending. "Being here tonight is hopefully going to make a difference because it's going to show them that people are showing up and that people do care about these kids' health," she said. Her words reflect a desire for officials to see the human side of their budgetary decisions.
The presence of students adds a powerful layer to the community's message, demonstrating that the next generation is invested in the outcome and willing to advocate for their own educational environment.
What's Next for Oakland Mills?
The community has made it clear that this protest is not a one-time event. They plan to maintain pressure on the Board of Education as the district moves toward finalizing its budget in the new year.
Organizers have stated they will continue their fight through the budget process in January, hoping to persuade the board to reconsider the allocation of funds. For the students, parents, and staff of Oakland Mills High School, the campaign for a safer, healthier, and modern school building is far from over.
