PROPOSED CHANGES WILL RESULT IN OVERCROWDED SCHOOLS

The City of Rockville is considering a proposal to allow school capacity to exceed the current 120% capacity and allow up to 150% of capacity.

The reason is to accommodate development planned around the Twinbrook and Rockville Metro Stations.  You can find out more about the proposal in this Sentinel article and in this packet of information (starting on page 10).  There are several proposed alternatives, but all of them would increase the capacity limit beyond 120%.

Why This Would Be Harmful

Most of our schools already are at or above capacity.  Richard Montgomery High School is bearing the worst of it, with four portable classrooms, diminished science-lab capacity, and no space for students to have lunch.

In five years, the student population is already projected to exceed 120% capacity.  If the city’s proposal passes, it would be even worse: cramming 3,327 students into a school built for 2,217.  Julius West Middle School could potentially have more than 2,000 students with a capacity for 1,400.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Express your opposition
 * Email: mayorandcouncil@rockvillemd.gov
 * Let them know if you are opposed to any increase in the school capacity limit.

Testify at the upcoming Public Hearing
     Date: Tuesday, January 22 
     Time: 7:00 pm
     Location: Rockville City Hall, Mayor and Council Chambers
                   111 Maryland Avenue, 3rd Floor
                   Rockville, MD 20850

Reserve a time to testify by calling the Office of the City Clerk at 240-314-8280.