BERLIN, Md. – A proposal to demolish and rebuild the 55-year-old Berlin Intermediate School is advancing to the state level. Worcester County leaders have approved a feasibility study recommending replacement over renovation. The estimated cost of the project is nearly $85 million, with officials citing the replacement option as less expensive and less disruptive than renovating the existing building. The current school building, opened in 1970, has not had major renovations or updates.
If the Maryland Interagency Commission on School Construction approves the study, the project will move into the design phase. School officials are aiming for a spring 2029 groundbreaking and a fall 2031 opening. Brian Cook, coordinator of facilities and grants for Worcester County Public Schools, mentioned the challenges posed by the aging HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems in the current building. Additionally, modern academic programs struggle to fit into the outdated structure.
Principal Dr. Amy Gallagher emphasized the need for a modern building that can accommodate changes in education over the years. Teachers and staff have been creative in adapting the open floor plan of the school, but there is a consensus on the necessity for more intentional spaces for collaboration, technology, and project-based learning. Improved safety measures, traffic flow adjustments, and updated facilities are all part of the proposed replacement plan.
The feasibility study is now under review by the state, with a decision expected within the next one to two months. If approved, the project will progress to schematic design, bidding, and construction phases, with the new building set to be constructed on the existing site. County officials have collaborated with the state and the Board of Education on a financial plan to increase state participation and lessen the burden on county taxpayers. This move comes as many school buildings in Worcester County, dating back to the 1970s, have reached the end of their life cycles and require significant investments.
