O'Malley Announces $370M In School Construction

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- A big promise from Governor Martin O'Malley to Maryland's schools. He plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on school construction in the next year. Some parents and teachers say it's long overdue.

Kai Jackson has more on the governor's big announcement.

Baltimore parents say that any money to improve schools can't come fast enough.

The data shows that Maryland has some of the best schools in the nation.

"I'm proud of my school," said Savanna Zachau.

The irony of that, according to state leaders, is that Maryland schools are underfunded and many of them are in poor condition.

On Monday, Governor Martin O'Malley announced big plans to fund schools. He wants the General Assembly, which controls the purse strings to state money, to give the green light for new construction and repairs.

"This year in the state budget, we will be asking the General Assembly to approve a $372 million investment in school construction," O'Malley said.

"It seems like every year, we get less and less money," said Susan Zachau.

Zachau is the PTSO president for Morrell Park Elementary/Middle in Southwest Baltimore.

"Some of our bathrooms don't have bathroom stalls. Some of our toilets are broken," Zachau said.

Students and parents tell WJZ they have a great deal of pride in Morrell Park Elementary/Middle School. That's why they believe it should be better funded. They say the money will be used for more than just cosmetic changes. They believe it will also enhance learning.

Of the $370 million O'Malley is requesting, $350 million would be used for school construction and $20 million would be used for building improvements and repairs.

"We definitely need it. Baltimore City definitely needs it," said PTSO Vice President Cindy Green.

The 430th Maryland legislative session begins Wednesday and lasts for 90 days.