Ehrlich Seeks $462 Million Schools Boost

Montgomery public schools are hoping to receive $17 million through that index; likewise, Prince George's schools have budgeted about $14 million. That amounts to nearly 1 percent of the draft annual spending plans for each of those school systems.

Asked why he did not propose to fund the geographic index, Ehrlich pointed to his school construction plan. "A lot of counties are going to be very happy," he told reporters.

A year ago, Ehrlich proposed $155 million for school construction. State lawmakers then added nearly $100 million. Another round of upward bidding for the popular program could occur this year as officials prepare for the fall elections.

Effectively, $281 million in construction funds for the coming year would represent a virtually status quo budget, according to David Lever, executive director of Maryland's school construction program. Lever said rapidly rising materials and labor costs in recent years have eaten away at the purchasing power of state construction money.

Large increases in spending could strain the capacity of the school construction industry, he said. "Staying steady is actually a very good thing."

Ehrlich, who is facing a reelection contest this year, surrounded himself with photogenic students from Holabird Middle School. At his side were state Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick -- who is a Democrat -- and a grateful school principal. The 44-year-old Dundalk campus is about to receive $6.7 million from the state for new ceilings, windows, heating systems and other renovations.

"Thank you, Governor Ehrlich," Principal Susan Melton said. "There's nothing better than good news. Maybe money."

"Same thing," Ehrlich replied.