$71 Million Victory for School Construction at South Lake and Burnt Mills Elementary Schools
In spring 2020, Montgomery County Council delayed the construction of South Lake Elementary School, despite it being in worse condition than any other school in the system. In doing so, they reneged on their previous commitment to renovate both South Lake and Burnt Mills Elementary Schools by fall 2023, a commitment made after a multi-year campaign by AIM leaders to gain recognition for these two Title I schools.
AIM leaders held the Council to account, testifying, calling, and sharing the story of South Lake over several long months. On December 1, the Council voted to restore the 2023 timeline, citing AIM’s “non-traditional” model of community organizing, recognizing AIM leaders by name, and thanking AIM for engaging the press to pressure them to act.
In September 2023, 1,500 students will walk into beautiful new buildings at South Lake and Burnt Mills Elementary Schools, heads held high.
Press Coverage
- WTOP News: ‘It’s just not right’: Needed repairs at Montgomery County school asked to be sped up — August 26, 2020
- Bethesda Magazine: South Lake Elementary building project accelerated as complaints pile up — August 26, 2020
- LocalDMV.com: MCPS fastracks South Lake improvement project — August 27, 2020
- WTOP News: ‘They don’t care’ — Rodents, crowding, maintenance problems in a Montgomery County school — July 30, 2020
- Washington Jewish Week: Temple Beth Ami advocates for South Lake Elementary — November 25, 2020