Community Comes Together for Somerset County Technical High Scho - WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 -

WESTOVER, Md. - Somerset County Technical High School recently welcomed over 200 guests at their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

The event featured a catered reception by the school’s Culinary Arts Students and a speaking program with remarks by School District and Board of Education officials, Local County, State and Federal officials, as well as Technical High School student remarks.

 The majority of funding for the $42 million building was provided by the State of Maryland Interagency Commission on School Construction, with Somerset County Commissioners providing additional funding through a USDA loan to finance ineligible construction costs and purchase necessary furniture, equipment and technological learning aids for students.

One of the main considerations in the construction of the facility was the minimizing of ongoing operating costs. T

he LEED green building is extremely energy efficient, featuring a high SRI “cool roof” material and vegetated roof areas to provide additional insulation.

Landscaping throughout the site was specifically chosen to eliminate the need for on-site irrigation. The building was constructed using 20% recycled content or materials extracted and manufactured within a 500-mile radius, and over 400 tons of construction waste were diverted from the landfill and recycled, accounting for nearly 75% of the total waste generated during construction.

Additionally, building materials were selected for their high-durability and low-maintenance qualities. The facility has an industrial feel and layout, with many of the building system components exposed so that students may use the building itself as a learning tool.

School safety was also a major consideration during construction with the building featuring a secure vestibule at the entrance, smoke evacuation system, numerous security cameras and smart classroom design features that provide additional security in the event of a crisis situation.