Site Selection for New Schools

Overview

Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) currently has 19 school sites in its site bank that can be used for new schools. These sites have been acquired over the years, often during the residential development process in response to anticipated growth. In addition, PGCPS will sometimes initiate a search for new sites as the need arises.

School Site Selection Process  

1. The Planning team identifies the need for a site and determines the scope of the future school (number of students, grade levels, and general academic programs.)
2. Site Selection Subcommittee of the School Construction Project Team (SCPT) analyzes potential sites. The Subcommittee includes staff from the PGCPS Department of Capital Programs, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), and County Government.
3. Subcommittee recommends sites to the SCPT, which approves a site for recommendation to elected officials.
4. Board of Education is briefed on all sites under consideration and the SCPT's top site recommendation.
5. Community hearing on recommended sites.
6. Board of Education Chair, County Council Chair, and the County Executive are briefed and community concerns are discussed.
7. Board of Education approves site.
8. Approved site is submitted to the State Clearinghouse, which sends it for review to state agencies.
9. Site is submitted to the State Interagency Committee (IAC) Public School Construction Program (PSCP) for approval.

Opportunities for Community Involvement

A community hearing on the recommended site is held prior to Board of Education approval.