FY 2021 Educational Facilities Master Plan

Community Analysis Findings

There is limited availability of municipal services in several parts of the county and a few of our existing schools (primarily on the west side) still utilize private wells and septic systems for sewer. Recently the city extended water and sewer to the Beaver Run Elementary site. Schools utilizing private wells and/or septic systems for sewer: • Northwestern Treatment Plant & Well (tied to Mardela M/H) • Mardela Middle / High Treatment Plant & Well The Town of Mardela is considering a municipal waste water treatment facility & WCBOE has expressed interest in having Mardela & Northwestern included for consideration in their planning process. • Westside Primary Septic & Well The City of Salisbury has had significant sewer capacity issues and has begun an effort to address problems with the existing plant. The City of Fruitland has also made some recent improvements and expanded capacity, but there is still some more needed in identified “future” sewer areas, especially the southwest interceptor which could significantly impact the future development and growth of that municipality. The installation, operation and maintenance of public water and sewer systems are an important and expensive government responsibility. There is a significantly larger “future” sewer area designated vs. existing public sewer already available in Wicomico County. In light of current economic conditions the expansion and / or installation of planned water and sewer areas will most likely continue to remain somewhat stagnant. Ultimately, the lack of water and sewer infrastructure will limit the areas where potential land could be considered by WCPS for planning considerations. GROWTH AREAS While the concept of “Smart Growth” is valuable for overall community development, its impact on school development is somewhat restrictive for WCPS in relation to current local growth patterns. Smart Growth encourages development within designated growth areas that are supported by water and sewer infrastructure. It also prioritizes the renovation of existing schools in existing neighborhoods over new schools. Of the twenty four (24) public school facilities located in Wicomico County, ten (10) are operating “over” capacity. This does not include our Wicomico Early Learning Center (WELC) or Choices (Alternative Learning Center). These specific programs operate in separate facilities. WCPS schools can be viewed as serving specific geographic areas or county designated quadrants. Although these quadrants are not specifically representative of actual attendance areas, since some of our tracks cross over these geographic areas, they are a starting point to see how WCPS

Wicomico County Public Schools Educational Facilities Master Plan FY 2021

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