Washington Middle early childhood center delayed; district says funding secure, bids and MSDE coordination caused timeline change

Mister Blank updated the board March 11 on the early childhood center planned at Washington Middle School, saying the project remains funded but scheduling and bidding requirements tied to the Maryland State Department of Education have pushed the tentative opening date to August 2027.

Blank said the district will proceed with preparatory work this summer, including a parking-lot project and other site preparations, to reduce disruption once construction begins. He said construction is expected to begin next spring as weather allows and that bidders will have time to prepare proposals.

"The funding is secure and the project will move forward," Blank said; he characterized the change as a schedule delay rather than a funding or design change.

The board received the update with no formal action taken. District staff will move forward with site-preparation tasks this summer and the board will be updated on progress and the formal bid timeline as it develops.