Worcester County Public Schools could merge Pocomoke & Snow Hill
WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – Local leaders are looking at the potential of consolidating schools in Snow Hill and Pocomoke City. This was brought up by Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, and an official request was made by the Government for the Board of Education to review.
Commissioner Mitrecic explains why he brought up the potential concept.
“The Commissioners, when they renovated Snow Hill High and Pocomoke High School, made a mistake. They could have built a beautiful high school, a combined high school for over $100 million, a really nice combined high school for the lower end.”
There are a little over 700 students between both Pocomoke and Snow Hill High. The commissioner says the county has the highest cost per pupil in the state.
“The state of Maryland is unfortunately broke, and school funding is going to be one of those things we don’t get as much of anymore.”
The concept is in its preliminary stages. Worcester County Public Schools must still go through a thorough investigation. Dr. Annette Wallace says that the county is doing very well.
“Our school system as a whole is extremely successful. When we look at Snow Hill and Pocomoke High School, with the most recent report card findings, they are performing 4 standard deviations beyond the mean. 5 star schools, so we do know we have a recipe for success there.”
Commissioner Mitrecic said the County Government cannot continue to put the school system on the back of Worcester County tax payers. Even if the plan is pushed through, it would still be a while to develop. “If we found out tomorrow that we should and could do this, it would still be 15-20 years down the road,” said Commissioner Mitrecic.
Dr. Wallace tells WMDT, the board, though, remains happy to work with local officials on the request.
“Well, certainly we have a good relationship with our county commissioners, and they have asked us to look into something, and we will certainly do our due diligence.”
Commissioner Mitrecic tells WMDT if the move was made, that current high school students would stay in their respective districts.
The county would start with the elementary schools, so those students could be in the merging process together.
