Ironically, it appears County Executive James T. Smith — already accused of making unilateral decisions on school projects — decided how to spend the $12 million allocated for his failed Loch Raven addition without asking the school board. Smith says he simply chose to fund a list of projects — mostly parking lot repairs and tennis court resurfacing — provided by the school system. But in doing so, he seems to have circumvented the Board of Education.

Laurie Taylor-Mitchell, who led the fight against the Loch Raven addition, is vigorously complaining that the $12 million might have been better spent on school air conditioning. Only half the schools in the county are air-conditioned, which means Mr. Smith’s county is tied for last in that regard.

Baltimore Sun reporter Gina Davis, who follows county schools, has a very interesting post on this subject here on the Sun’s education blog. Ms. Davis writes:

“I have a call into the school system officials to find out if it would have been an option for the school board — had they been consulted yesterday before Smith’s decision — to suggest using that freed up $12 million toward air conditioning projects in the coming year. Are there logistical or technical constraints? Is it as simple as, If only he had first asked the board what they wanted to do with the ‘found’ money?“

Meantime, Mr. Smith seems intent on scoring political points with the Loch Raven money. He sent an an email to his mailing list in all seven county council districts today bragging about how pleased is to give money away to schools throughout the county. He writes, in part:

I have spoken with County Council members, and the County will reallocate those funds immediately, funding school projects in all seven council districts…Baltimore County will now reallocate the $12 million that was set aside for the Loch Raven addition creating a total of $14 million for school projects all around the Beltway.

Well, you can say one thing for Baltimore County schools. They may be crowded and un-air-conditioned, but they’re sure going to have some nice parking lots and tennis courts.

The Baltimore Sun published three letters to the editor today that acknowledge the politics involved in Comptroller Peter Franchot’s visit to Towson, but praise him nonetheless for listening to our concerns. A few excerpts:

“Yes, Mr. Franchot is a politician. But we’ll take a leader who listens to our concerns, rather than one who belittles them, any day,” writes TFU chairperson Cathi Forbes. Click here to read her letter.

“Mr. Franchot scores points with this parent for his willingness to listen, to physically view our schools and to acknowledge the overcrowding problems in Towson schools…My reply to Mr. Smith is this: What have you done for us lately?” asks Courtney McGee of Towson. Click here to read her letter.

“Was an element of politics involved in the comptroller’s visit? Probably. But at least it advanced the notion that new schools are needed in Baltimore County, not just bulky new additions,” writes David Marks of Perry Hall. Click here to read his letter.

Today’s Baltimore Sun features four prominently displayed, powerfully written letters to the editor, reacting to the newspaper’s recent coverage of our overcrowding issue. Click here to read them all. But we can’t resist posting a few excerpts:

“We don’t need cheap, patchwork additions to existing schools. What we need is a new elementary school…But, sadly, Mr. Smith is shirking his responsibility to provide effective leadership for all the people of Baltimore County, even its youngest.” — Brian W. Simpson

“…This atmosphere of political pressure cannot continue….The county executive and school board need to act now and do what’s best for our children - open a new elementary school in Towson.” — Heather Benassi

“Just 30 years ago, the Towson area had six elementary schools, but then-dwindling student numbers dictated closing two of them. Now, the demographic tide has turned, and Towson needs at least one school back - a real school, not tacked-on additions that demonstrate short-range thinking and fail to fully address the needs of our students.” — Beth and Mike Foster

“The county executive needs to stop playing politics with our children’s education.” – Dod Poe

Thanks to everyone who wrote letters. We have the facts on our side. Now all we need is our government.

Click here to read a letter to the Towson Times from Towson Families United member Jennifer Bolster. It’s titled, “A community is only as strong as its schools.” Be sure to scroll down to find the letter.