The Board of Education has revised the proposed policy (CNE) on private contributions for facilities, following extensive community involvement. A second draft of the proposed policy has been tentatively adopted by the Board of Education for public review and comment.

The revised draft Policy CNE, Facility Improvements That Are Not Funded with Montgomery County Revenues, would establish guidelines for accepting non-Montgomery County government funds for facility improvements that qualify as capital investments.

Private funds would be limited to improvements to facilities and school sites that are considered fixed assets, meet established capital budget funding criteria, and have a minimum life cycle of 15 years. Such improvements would include those that benefit a school or a school-sponsored activity, such as playground equipment, stadium lighting, or theatrical equipment.

The policy would prohibit funds for capital projects that are the responsibility of the school system and county and state governments, including support of core building space and maintenance of the physical plant.

In addition, the policy would require consideration of key factors in approving funds for facility improvements, such as equity issues, future liabilities, safety and security concerns, support for program implementation, and support for community services.

Individuals who have comments for the Board of Education about the proposed policy should respond in writing by October 25, 2002. All responses should be sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850. All responses will be shared with the Board of Education.

A copy of the revised policy is available as a PDF file at the link below.