BERLIN, Md. -- Parents, kids, teachers, town leaders and many others marched down Main Street on Friday night. Trying to show their community views a new school as not just a want, but a necessity.
Back in September, the Inter Agency Commission decided the state would not help pay for the construction of a new school. The IAC is the state agency that has the power to approve funding for the construction of new schools.
The IAC cited open spots at adjacent schools like Showell and Ocean City Elementary as well as Berlin Intermediate School. It was a decision that did not sit well with Worcester County School officials or parents.
Those in Worcester County who support a new Buckingham feel there are plenty of reasons why a new school should be built. Buckingham is the largest Title 1 school in the county. 60% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunches. It is also one of two schools in the county that has portable classrooms.
Joe Price, the Facilities Manager for WCPS said in Buckingham's 45 years of existence, there has not been a single major renovation.
"It's time for Buckingham to be addressed," said Price.
All of those reasons are why parents marched.
"Just making sure that the people sitting in the positions of decision making see that the community is really rallying behind this build," said Amy Fitzgerald.
And while all of the parents we spoke with on Friday have children enrolled at Buckingham, they said a new school benefits the whole community.
"My kids may not see the new school but that's really not what this is about," said Emily Vocke. "Our community deserves, deserves this we've been waiting a really long time."
Worcester County Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor did speak with Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Delegates Charles Otto and Wayne Hartman. The local lawmaker then held a meeting with the IAC.
The IAC is now taking a second look at it's initial ruling. We expect a decision by late December.