COMPTROLLER Peter Franchot ComptrollerI O(MARYLAND

~.:... S erving the People

June 16, 2011

Dr. Wendell Teets Superintendent Garrett County Board of Education Central Office Building 40 Sou th Second Street Oakland, Maryland 21550

Dear Dr. Teets:

As one of three members of the Board of Public Works, which is responsible for the approval and oversight of Maryland's Public School Construction Program, I have an obvious interest in the safety, comfort and academic functionality of our state's public school facilities.

It is in that spirit that, in addition to approving the investment of taxpayer dollars in new facilities, I have repeatedly asked superintendents throughout the State to rededicate their school systems to the pursuit of superior school maintenance. In addition to the long-term cost savings that can be achieved, studies have repeatedly shown that even the most modest investments - such as a fresh coat of paint, new carpeting and even an occasional exterior pressure wash - yield extraordinary, positive effects on a child's morale and academic performance.

It was also in that spirit that, over the course of our most recent heat wave, I asked state public school construction officials for both the number and percentage of schools in Maryland that are not air conditioned. I was disturbed to learn that while 17 of Maryland's 24 school systems have air conditioning in all of their schools, and while three others have installed air conditioning in the majority of their schools, only 4 of the 15 schools in Garrett County - 27 percent­are currently equipped with air conditioning.

As you are undoubtedly and painfully aware, these conditions are simply unacceptable. The architectural and design characteristics of these older buildings - coupled with the high concentration of students, teachers and administrative staff in limited spaces - can often turn a typical day in late Mayor

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Dr. Wendell Teets June 16, 2011 Page Two

early June into a highly uncomfortable experience. Of course, conditions like those we've experienced in recent weeks pose an obvious health and safety risk to all concerned, which is why cancellations or early dismissals were commonplace during the recent heat wave.

It is difficult to comprehend how more than half of Garrett County's school children can focus and learn - much less perform to the best of their abilities on final exams and standardized tests - in such an environment. It is equally hard to see how teachers and staff members can feel like their hard work and sacrifice are truly valued when they are forced to work in such unpleasant workplace conditions. With no timely remedy, the unacceptable lack of air conditioning in half of Garrett County schools will continue to erode the quality of the learning experience for your students, and sends a disturbing message of indifference to those who have dedicated their lives to serving our children.

These conditions obviously precede your tenure as Superintendent. Fortunately, however, recent developments have provided you with an unexpected opportunity to solve the problem. Earlier this year, the General Assembly adopted legislation which will provide a supplemental appropriation of $47.5 million for public school construction projects around the State. The intent of the legislature in authorizing these funds was to support projects that, among other things, can be completed within one year, improve older facilities and benefit schools that have a substantial number of low and moderate-income students.

Given the attendant academic, behavioral and public health risks associated with sweltering school buildings, I would ask that you dedicate your entire allotment to the installation of air conditioning in the Garrett County schools that currently have none.

Assuming that the full costs of this initiative exceed the County's allocation, I would strongly encourage you and your board to make this your top school maintenance priority as you prepare your requests for the state's Fiscal Year 2013 Public School Construction Program. It is my goal that, by this time next year, the necessary funds will be committed to equip 100 percent of Garrett County's public schools with air conditioning, as is currently the case with the vast majority of Maryland's public schools.

Dr. Wendell Teets June 16, 2011 Page Three

Please keep me apprised of Garrett County Public Schools' progress on this matter, and thank you for giving it the serious attention that it deserves.

Sincerely,

fi~ ~fJ1I!ChOY Peter Franchot Comptroller

cc: The Honorable Martin O'Malley, Governor The Honorable Nancy K. Kopp, Treasurer The Honorable Gregan T. Crawford, Board of Commissioners Chairman The Honorable George C. Edwards, Senator The Honorable Wendell R. Beitzell, Delegate The Honorable Thomas A. Carr, Board of Education President Dr. David Lever, Executive Director, Public School Construction Program Ms. Sheila McDonald, Executive Director, Board of Public Works