Press Release: PGCPS Achieves Financial Close on Blueprint Schools Phase II
Press Release: PGCPS Achieves Financial Close on Blueprint Schools Phase II
August 27, 2024
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) along with its selected partner, Progressive Education Partners (PEP), a Plenary Americas-led consortium, has reached financial close on the PGCPS Blueprint Schools Phase II Project (“Phase II Project”).
The Phase II Project includes the construction of eight (8) new school facilities - six (6) elementary schools and two (2) PK-8 Academies including Springhill Lake Elementary School, Fairwood Area Elementary School, Templeton Elementary School, Hyattsville Elementary School, Margaret Brent Elementary School, James Duckworth Elementary School, Brandywine Area PK-8 Academy and Robert Frost Area PK-8 Academy - by 2028.
PEP will also be responsible for maintenance and rehabilitation for each school throughout the 30-year operating term.
“Blueprint Schools Phase II is an unprecedented demonstration of true collaboration across all levels of government: the Board of Education, County, County Council and the state legislature,” said Superintendent Millard House II. “Once again, PGCPS is at the forefront of utilizing this innovative alternative delivery approach to deliver much-needed schools our students deserve, as quickly as possible.”
Highlights of Phase II include a state match and pre-kindergarten classrooms in all schools. All eight schools will be delivered as net zero schools, underlining our commitment to sustainability and our Climate Change Action Plan.
"Phase II of the Blueprint Schools construction represents a major advancement in our ongoing efforts to provide world-class educational facilities for Prince George's County students,” said Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George's County Executive.
“This innovative model not only accelerates the construction of modern, state-of-the-art schools but also does so in a fiscally responsible manner, maximizing the benefits of public-private partnerships. By prioritizing efficiency and collaboration, we are creating learning environments that empower our children to thrive, ensuring a brighter future for our entire community."
Prince George’s County Council Chair Jolene Ivey praised the project as a collective achievement.
“The collaborative effort to reach this milestone reflects our dedication to providing top-notch, innovative learning environments that inspire and empower students,” Ivey said. “It’s a win for everyone and will have a transformative impact on the County for generations to come.”
The project will be financed through both public and private sources. Public funding will account for $228 million during construction while the long-term financing includes $650 million in taxable municipal bonds. Private capital will be repaid over the concession in the form of Availability Payments.
PEP will now begin the design-build phase of the project, with construction expected to begin in September and be completed in 2028 with 3 delivery dates: summer 2026, summer 2027 and summer 2028) — unlike Phase 1 where all six schools were delivered in one school year.
“Over the next four years, the second phase of Blueprint Schools will create more than 8,000 seats in 8 schools across the County,” said Prince George’s County Board of Education Chair Lolita E. Walker. “These new buildings are critical, and will replace and/or rightsize 14 schools as we continue to modernize our facilities, the second-oldest in the state of Maryland. Ensuring this plan is fully funded is one of our top priorities and is integral to the success of our scholars.”
Maryland State Delegate Nicole Williams, Chair of the Prince George's County delegation, described the beginning of Phase II as a continuation of the collaboration between the State, County Executive, County Council and PGCPS to modernize school infrastructure and provide children with the high quality education they deserve.
Delegate Ben Barnes also emphasized the importance of modernizing school facilities, highlighting the strong partnership between the County Executive and the State. “We are thrilled that our collaboration will deliver eight new schools in Prince George’s County,” Barnes said.
