On Thursday, May 4, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced $22 million in funding to renovate Faulkner Ridge Center to expand universal pre-K services. When completed, the center — which has been vacant since 2011 — will provide 260 new seats for universal Pre-K.
“Howard County is known for its world-class school system, due to our collective efforts to create the best teaching and learning environment for all our students and educators,” Dr. Ball said. “We know that the success of our students starts early with a strong educational foundation for our youngest learners. By expanding pre-K access for 3-and 4-year-olds, all our children will have more opportunity to begin kindergarten ready to learn.”
Alongside partners in local and state government, the Howard County Public School System, and Wilde Lake residents and parents, the Wilde Lake Community Association has been advocating for the renovation and reuse of the Faulkner Ridge Center for several years. Wilde Lake Village Board Chair Kevin McAliley was thrilled to get the news. “We look forward to continuing as collaborating community partners and liaisons as the project moves through the next steps so we can celebrate students as they arrive at this wonderful facility for their first day of learning,” he said.
For more, visit Howard County Government’s website.