BURTONSVILLE, Md. – Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) marked the start of the new school year with ribbon‑cutting ceremonies at three sites that will reshape the county’s educational landscape. The events celebrated the completion of a brand‑new building at Burtonsville Elementary, a replacement facility at JoAnn Leleck Elementary in Broad Acres, and a major expansion and renovation of Poolesville High School.
New Burtonsville Elementary building
The district unveiled a 100,000‑square‑foot, state‑of‑the‑art elementary school designed to serve 796 students. The new structure replaces the aging campus that had struggled with plumbing leaks, HVAC failures and mold concerns. District officials said the modern design includes upgraded classrooms, a larger gymnasium, and improved security features.
JoAnn Leleck Elementary receives a fresh campus
JoAnn Leleck Elementary, located in the Broad Acres community, also received a brand‑new building. The project addresses long‑standing overcrowding and capacity challenges that parents and teachers have raised in recent years. The new school offers expanded classroom space, dedicated art and music rooms, and a larger playground to accommodate the growing student body.
Poolesville High School expansion
Poolesville High School, a county magnet school, completed a substantial expansion and renovation. The upgrades add new science labs, additional classroom wings, and upgraded athletic facilities. The magnet program continues to draw students from across the county and from neighboring districts seeking specialized curricula.
Transition day helps students adjust
To ease the move into the new buildings, MCPS scheduled a transition day on Monday for kindergarten, sixth‑grade and ninth‑grade students. The day will allow students to tour their new classrooms, meet teachers and become familiar with the layout before regular instruction resumes on Tuesday.
Addressing a backlog of deferred maintenance
Last school year, MCPS superintendent Dr. Monica Goldson acknowledged a backlog of deferred maintenance throughout the system, citing persistent plumbing, HVAC and mold issues. The recent construction projects are part of a broader effort to modernize facilities and ensure safe, healthy learning environments for Montgomery County’s children.
Community response
Local parents and community leaders praised the district’s investment in new infrastructure, noting that modern facilities support both academic achievement and family stability. The projects were funded through a combination of state aid, local bonds and district reserves, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high‑quality public education without raising taxes.
MCPS officials indicated that additional projects are planned for the coming years to continue addressing capacity concerns and to replace other aging schools across the county.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
