New state-of-the-art schools, transportation improvements, and a regional autism center are opening in Prince George’s County this morning as students return to class, marking a significant moment in the district’s development.
As Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) begins the 2024-25 school year, the district is advancing a variety of major new initiatives that aim to improve the overall educational experience and outcomes for students, families, and staff. These initiatives reflect the district’s commitment to creating an inclusive, safe, and innovative learning environment.
“Through thoughtful community engagement, we’ve listened and responded with purpose,” said Superintendent Millard House II, now in his second year leading the district. “Driven by community feedback, our transportation improvements, investment in new schools and focus on student safety and equity are about ensuring each student has the best experience possible, every day, while also positioning PGCPS for the future.”
Transportation and Technology Enhancements
For the 2024-2025 school year, the district has rolled out several key changes aimed at enhancing the safe, efficient, and punctual transportation of students to and from school. These changes include the standardization of school start and end times, as well as adjustments to bus assignments and bus stop locations. Additionally, the district has introduced an opt-out option for families who do not require transportation services, which will give them more flexibility. Improvements have also been made to the StopFinder app, enhancing its functionality and reliability for tracking buses in real time.
Furthermore, PGCPS is committed to environmental sustainability as part of its Climate Change Action Plan. This year, the district is introducing 10 new electric school buses into its fleet. These buses, featuring zero tailpipe emissions, will significantly improve air quality while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the county.
A New Regional Autism Center
This school year also marks the exciting launch of a new Regional Autism Center at Pointer Ridge Elementary School. Originally slated for closure due to under-enrollment, the school will now be repurposed to serve as a dedicated center for students with autism. This shift highlights PGCPS’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and to creating innovative solutions for special education needs. By reimagining the space, the district is providing students with autism the opportunity to learn in a supportive, specialized environment that meets their unique needs.
Enhancing Safety and Security
To ensure the safety of students, particularly those who will be walking to school as part of the transportation changes, PGCPS has added two Safe Passage Coordinators. These coordinators will act as key liaisons between the school system, the County crossing guard unit, and various community partners, including local law enforcement and the Department of Public Works and Transportation. Their role will be critical in maintaining pedestrian safety, particularly in areas with high foot traffic.
In addition to transportation safety, the district has made continued improvements to ensure the security of students inside school buildings. Following the implementation of clear backpacks for middle and high school students last year, PGCPS is further enhancing security by introducing additional technology to bolster safety measures in all high schools and some middle schools. The district is also rolling out a new mass emergency alert system designed to assist hearing-impaired students in emergency situations, ensuring that all students have access to important safety information in times of crisis.
Historic School Construction and Expansion
PGCPS is continuing its momentum from the 2023-24 school year, during which an unprecedented six new schools opened. This year, the district is celebrating the opening of two cutting-edge facilities: William Wirt Middle and Ellen Ochoa Middle Schools. These schools feature state-of-the-art facilities designed to support both academic achievement and personal growth for students. In addition, the district is preparing to break ground on eight new schools as part of its Blueprint Phase II initiative, which will further expand educational opportunities for students throughout the region.
A particularly exciting development for the district is the reopening of the Howard B. Owens Science Center after a four-year renovation. The newly updated STEM education hub now features advanced learning spaces, including a ‘mission control’ area designed in partnership with NASA. This area contains control consoles that replicate those used during the Challenger spacecraft program, providing students with a hands-on, real-world experience in STEM education.
These major new initiatives across various areas of the district are a clear reflection of PGCPS’s forward-thinking approach to education. With continued investments in school facilities, student services, safety measures, and sustainability efforts, the district is positioning itself to provide a high-quality education for all students in Prince George’s County.
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