FROM THE DESK OF THE COMPTROLLER

Our schools need help. I know I'm not saying anything that hasn't already been said, but since I am now a member of the Board of Public Works, which decides on school construction spending, I have the privilege and opportunity to help resolve this problem.

I recently visited an elementary school in Hagerstown, as part of an initiative to get around the state. What I saw confirmed my concern and determination to help bring our schools back to life.

Pangborn Elementary School was built 52 years ago and its 619 student enrollment is about 30 percent over capacity. As a result, it has crowded classrooms, 11 portable classrooms and a very cramped library. I saw children being taught in the hallway and nurses using converted closets. Some classrooms get so hot in certain months that one young student said it was hard to concentrate on class work.

This scenario shouldn't represent Maryland's legacy to its children.

I intend to act on what I saw and I'll even go out on a limb and say we'll get all the money needed to build a new school that is totally adequate for teaching.

This is the first of several tours I will be making to various parts of the state. I believe in the concept of "go-see-for-yourself," because public policy should not be made in an ivory tower. As a fiscal watchdog, I intend to make decisions based on real life experiences.