Baltimore City officials have created a new task force that will address the $2.8 billion shortfall for school construction and renovation projects.
The task force will explore alternative financing options, possible new legislation, and successful models used in other areas to come up with ways to raise money for construction. Appointed by Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore City Schools CEO Andres Alonso, the 10-person task force will make its recommendations by February.
The task force members are as follows:
• Sophie Dagenais, the mayor's chief of staff;
• Arlene Friner, CEO of Philadelphia financial consulting firm Vantage Point Associates;
• Mike Frist, chief financial officer of Baltimore City Public Schools;
• Edward Gallagher, Baltimore City finance director;
• Valerie Greene, associate general counsel of Baltimore City Public Schools;
• David Lever, executive director of the Public School Construction Program for the Maryland State Department of Education;
• George Nilson, Baltimore City solicitor;
• J. Keith Scroggins, chief operating officer, Baltimore City Public Schools;
• Thomas Stosur, Baltimore City planning director; and,
• Sabrina Sutton, the city's special assistant for youth and education.
The city says it needs to raise $1.5 billion for basic facilities maintenance and another $1.3 billion for major renovations and new school construction.
Writer: Julekha Dash
Source: Baltimore City