My Old School — and Yours

Peter Heck • July 17, 2023


Kent County Middle School on East Campus Ave. in Chestertown is over 70 years old, and like many schools built shortly after World War II, may have reached the end of its days. At two Kent County Board of Education meetings on June 20 and 28, the public was informed of tentative plans for the future of the building and from all signs, the old school looks as if it’s come to the end of its life.

 

Built in 1950 as Chestertown High School for the Baby Boomer generation, the building is a classic example of that era’s school architecture. In its heyday, it was the largest of Kent County’s six high schools, though with only 59 graduates in the class of 1959, that’s not saying a lot. By the early 1970s, the county recognized the benefits of a consolidated high school and the local high schools were combined into one large school centrally located in Worton. The old building in Chestertown was converted to the county’s middle school, serving grades 5 to 8, a role it has now served twice as long as its days as a high school.

 

Clearly the old building has numerous problems. Not only does it fail to meet modern building codes and ADA requirements, its structural problems include a leaking roof, deteriorating brickwork, lack of windows in many classrooms, and inefficient energy systems. Several classrooms can be accessed only from the library. And other elements of the building show the wear-and-tear expected for any building its age, let alone one exposed to the energies of several hundred school-age children every day for seven decades.

 

Representing architectural consulting firm Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, Larry Levato and Grace Heiland presented four proposals.

 

The first option — renovating the existing building — would leave many problems unsolved, including the absence of windows and poor layout. This option would also require relocating the students while construction is under way. This would be the least expensive choice.

 

The second option would be to build a new middle school on the current site’s playing fields. The third and fourth options would be to build a new school next to, or as an addition to, the Kent County High School in Worton. In these plans, the middle school would share some facilities, such as the playing fields and cafeteria, with the high school.


A fifth choice — building on a new site — was abandoned because no suitable property is available. In all but the first option, the old building would be demolished once the new school was built.

 

At the June 20 meeting, school board member Trish McGee cited the fate of the former school at 215 Washington Ave. as an example of the complications of de-acquisitioning a school property, which would be needed if the middle school moves to Worton. Built in 1915 as Chestertown High School and later used as the headquarters for the Board of Education, the property fell into disrepair and was replaced by a facility in Rock Hall. After sitting empty for several years, this prime property was ultimately acquired by Washington College for a bargain price in 2012. After its demolition, the college replaced it with a modern classroom building.

 

At the same meeting, Chestertown Mayor David Foster and Councilmember Meghan Efland, in whose ward the school is located, said they would like to see the school stay in Chestertown. They also promised to support whatever decision the school board reaches.

 

And what would all this cost? The consultant’s estimates ranged from $49.8 million (to renovate the existing building) to $55.8 million for a new school at the Chestertown site. Superintendent Karen Couch said that normally the state and county split the cost of new school construction 50-50, but that counties can often negotiate a better split.

 

To put that in context, the 2023 Board of Education’s budget is $31 million. That includes $13 million in federal and state funds. The remainder — some $18 million — is about 30% of Kent County’s total projected budget of $58 million for fiscal 2023. In other words, the middle school project represents a major investment for Kent, which is by population the smallest county in Maryland and by no means the richest.

 

At this point, the school board is taking public input to help it decide the best alternative. It expects to bring the project before the county commissioners in August.

 

Kent County is not the only district in Maryland that’s facing a major school construction project. A 2022 study by the Maryland Association of Counties found a large number of public schools classified as “functions unreliable.” Of those, 33 are on the Eastern Shore, with Wicomico (11 of 24 schools), Cecil (7 of 31) and Worcester (7 of 14) having the most facilities in this category. Another 63 Shore schools (out of 133 total) are classified as “needs repairs.” All this will cost money, most of which will need to come from state and local taxes.

 

There are no easy answers to the questions raised by the condition of our schools. Nobody wants children in unsafe, deteriorating, or poorly designed school buildings. Yet few people wish to contemplate higher taxes. But the best solution to problems such as the Kent County Middle School isn’t always the cheapest. In fact, judging by the reactions of residents at the June 20 meeting, building a new school on another part of the current property appeared to draw the most favorable responses — even though it would cost the most.

 

Whatever county you live in, the equivalent of Kent County’s Middle School project is likely to be coming your way, if it hasn’t already arrived. Another reason to pay attention to what your local school board is doing, and to make your opinion known to those who’ll be making the decisions, is because you’ll be paying the bills and sending your community’s kids to the resulting schools.

 

 

Peter Heck is a Chestertown-based writer and editor, who spent 10 years at the Kent County News and three more with the Chestertown Spy. He is the author of 10 novels and co-author of four plays, a book reviewer for Asimov’s and Kirkus Reviews, and an incorrigible guitarist.

 

Common Sense for the Eastern Shore

Health of His Constituents is Apparently Not a Priority for Rep. Dr. Andy Harris

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
The Republican Congress and President Trump are causing a health care crisis and Democrats are trying to fix it. Passed in July, the GOP budget reconciliation bill is drastically cutting health insurance programs to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Rep. Andrew P. Harris (R-MD01) voted for the budget reconciliation bill. He voted, knowing that his vote would mean that health care costs would rise for 25,000 of his constituents in Maryland’s First Congressional District:

Judge Denies Trump Administration’s Attempt to Stall Maryland Offshore Wind Case Amid Federal Shutdown

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
 Efforts by the Trump administration to delay a critical court case over Maryland’s offshore wind project have failed, marking another setback in the president’s campaign to block renewable energy development along the East Coast. On Oct. 2, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher denied a motion filed by the Department of Justice to pause an ongoing lawsuit involving US Wind’s proposed 114-turbine wind farm off Ocean City. The administration had argued that the federal government’s shutdown prevents its attorneys from continuing the case. The judge’s swift rejection ensures that the litigation and progress on one of Maryland’s most significant clean energy projects will continue. Initially filed by Ocean City officials and a small group of residents nearly a year ago, the suit challenges the federal approval of US Wind’s project, which would deliver enough clean electricity to power more than 700,000 homes. Under the Biden administration, the federal government had defended the project in partnership with US Wind. That stance was reversed after Trump took office earlier this year and installed officials hostile to offshore wind. In September, the Trump administration filed a separate motion seeking to vacate federal approval for the Maryland project altogether, a move widely condemned by environmental advocates, labor groups, and business leaders who see offshore wind as a cornerstone of Maryland’s energy and economic future. US Wind responded forcefully to the shutdown motion, warning the court that the administration’s attempts to delay proceedings could allow it to undermine the project’s approval behind the scenes quietly. The company argued that halting the case would create “existential risks” for the future of Maryland’s offshore wind industry. Judge Gallagher agreed that the case should move forward, setting the next status hearing for Oct. 7. The Trump administration’s repeated efforts to obstruct offshore wind development come as Maryland and other states have invested heavily in building the infrastructure, workforce, and port facilities needed to anchor the growing clean energy industry. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has championed the sector as a key driver for well-paying jobs and long-term economic resilience for the Eastern Shore. Supporters of US Wind point out that the project will bring over $1 billion in investment to Maryland, generate thousands of construction and maintenance jobs, and help deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to homes and businesses across the region. “Offshore wind isn’t just about turbines, it’s about jobs, innovation, and independence,” one clean energy advocate said after the ruling. “Every delay costs working Marylanders opportunity, and this decision ensures progress continues.” While the broader lawsuit over the project’s approval is ongoing, the latest ruling represents a clear win for those fighting to keep Maryland’s offshore wind future on track — and a blow to Trump’s attempt to turn back the clock on clean energy.

Should We Pin Our Hopes on Mid-Cycle Redistricting in MD-01?

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
Maryland has eight congressional districts, and the seats for all but District 01 are filled by Democrats. As we well know, the First District representative is a Republican — Andrew P. Harris. Here’s what Maryland’s congressional district map is now.

Megan Outten Kicks Off Wicomico County Council District 7 Campaign with Packed Crowd and Strong Early Momentum

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
With standing room only at Salisbury’s Historic Poplar Hill Mansion, and blending policy, community service, and grassroots energy, Megan Outten launched her campaign for Wicomico County Council District 7 before almost 100 supporters on Oct. 4. The event drew community residents, labor leaders, and local officials, many of whom also helped to pack nearly 300 care kits for Wicomico residents in need. The community service effort doubled as a campaign statement about what Outten calls “choosing connection over convenience.” District 7 is one of Wicomico’s newly drawn single-member districts, with a Democratic advantage of 7.7%. Outten recalled her family’s history of service in Fruitland and Salisbury. “Service isn’t just politics in my family,” she said. “It’s how you belong to a place. It’s how you prove you care.” She pointed to the county’s landfill crisis, water and septic system failures, and school underfunding as examples of leadership that reacts rather than plans. “This is what happens when leaders only react after things break,” she said. “It costs us more. It hurts families. It robs our kids of the future they deserve.” Outten was joined by several local leaders who offered strong endorsements and reflections on her record. AFSCME Local 3 Eastern Shore representative Jack Hughes praised her leadership on the Salisbury City Council, crediting her with helping pass the Eastern Shore’s first municipal labor code, a significant win for city workers and first responders. Councilman Josh Hastings, who represents the district and is running for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 38B, said Outten would be “crucial in carrying forward the progress we’ve made” on clean water, schools, and infrastructure planning. Whitney Snowden-Olanrewaju from Blending Cultures, a non-profit organization that promotes diversity and equality, spoke about Outten’s record of community inclusion and bridge-building across diverse groups. Outten’s campaign is expected to roll out additional endorsements in the coming weeks. In her speech, she outlined a platform focused on fully funding schools, investing in infrastructure before it fails, and ensuring that county government works for everyone. “This campaign is not mine,” she told the crowd. “It’s ours. I am not standing above you. I am standing with you. And together, we will put Wicomico families first.” With enthusiasm, endorsements, and her message that’s focused on service and accountability, Outten’s kickoff reinforced that District 7 is already shaping up to have a strong favorite in 2026.

Community Rallies After Theft of Car Containing Hundreds of Care Kits for Wicomico Residents in Need

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
An act of inhumanity in Salisbury has sparked an outpouring of compassion. Early on Oct. 5, community organizer Jared Schablein’s car was stolen from his backyard. Inside the vehicle were hundreds of care kits assembled just days earlier during Megan Outten’s Wicomico County Council District 7 campaign kickoff event. Packed by volunteers at Salisbury’s Poplar Hill Mansion, the kits contained feminine hygiene products, socks, and toiletries meant for Wicomico County residents facing housing insecurity. “Those kits were meant for neighbors in need,” said Schablein. “If nothing else, I hope whoever took them returns them. Getting those care kits to the folks who need them matters more to me than anything else.” Schablein and Outten have turned the theft into action, launching a new effort called the “Care Kits Comeback Drive.” The event, scheduled for Oct. 12 at 2pm at Poplar Hill Mansion, aims to replace every lost kit, and more. Volunteers are asked to bring or donate items such as sanitary wipes, socks, toothpaste, period products, and underwear. Donations will support the Wicomico County Library, Help and Outreach Point of Entry, and other local service organizations. In announcing the new drive, Schablein emphasized the deeper meaning behind the effort: “When acts of inhumanity happen, the best response is acts of humanity. We’re showing that Salisbury’s compassion can’t be stolen.” Despite the setback, organizers say community support has been overwhelming. Donations began arriving within hours of the announcement, and several local groups have offered to distribute supplies once the new kits are complete. The theft is still under investigation by the Salisbury Police Department. As one volunteer put it at the last event, “Community isn’t guaranteed, it’s built.” This Sunday, Salisbury will build it again.

Momentum Builds to Save Connelly Mill Park: Community Leaders and State Officials Unite Around Vision for Wicomico’s “Central Park”

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
What began as a grassroots campaign to preserve a parcel of local land has become one of the most inspiring community movements on the Eastern Shore. Led by residents James and Mikele Dahlen and Holly Campbell, alongside dozens of volunteers, the Save Connelly Mill Park effort reached a significant milestone last week as Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz toured the site with local and state officials to explore opportunities for partnership and permanent protection. On Sept. 23, citizens gathered at Connelly Mill Park with a delegation of state and county leaders, including Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Barry Beauchamp, County Council President John Cannon, Vice President Jeff Merritt, Councilman James Winn, and local municipal representatives from Delmar and Salisbury. The tour marked the strongest signal to date that the state may play an active role in turning the park’s long-promised vision into reality. Advocates for Save Connelly Mill Park presented Kurtz with a booklet outlining the site’s environmental, historical, and economic importance. The presentation highlighted Connelly Mill’s potential to become a keystone of Wicomico’s park system — protecting the Paleochannel aquifer, preserving wildlife habitats, and providing much-needed green space for recreation and community gathering. Located just five miles from Salisbury, the 234-acre property has rolling forest, wetlands, and unique topography that advocates say could one day make it the “Central Park of Wicomico County.” “The natural beauty of Connelly Mill spoke for itself,” said one organizer after the event. “What we have here is not just land, it’s a promise to future generations.” Adding to the momentum, the community’s advocacy materials were presented directly to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore the next day at the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield, where he was briefed on the citizens’ efforts and growing local support. The proposed park would provide walking trails, open space for families, and educational opportunities while safeguarding vital water resources and promoting mental, physical, and social well-being for county residents. For many, the movement to save Connelly Mill has come to represent more than just one park. It’s about accountability, long-term planning, and ensuring public commitments to community spaces are kept. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” the group shared in a recent update. “But the spotlight is on Connelly Mill, and the momentum is growing.” As the state evaluates whether to designate Connelly Mill as a Partnership Park, supporters say they will continue to meet with officials and rally community engagement to ensure this once-forgotten project finally fulfills its promise. If realized, Connelly Mill would not only protect vital natural resources — it would stand as testament to what determined citizens can build when they refuse to give up.
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