By October 7, each school system in the State annually submits to the Interagency Committee its capital improvement program for the following fiscal year, plus an updated continuing five-year plan. In consultation with local school board staff, the Committee recommends either approval, deferral, or modification of a school system's proposed project. The Committee then submits a consolidated statewide capital improvement program with recommendations to the Board of Public Works, which acts at a special public meeting each January. Funding for approved allocations is made by the General Assembly. Following approval by the General Assembly and the Governor, the Board of Public Works approves a final set of recommendations for project funding and planning in late April or early May.
In addition to the Public School Construction Program, the Interagency Committee administers the Aging School Program; the Federal School Renovation Program; Minority Business Enterprise; Qualified Zone Academy Bonds; the Recycled Tire Grant Program; Supplemental Appropriation; the Energy Efficiency Initiative; the Security Initiative; and the Air Conditioning Initiative.
Appropriations for the expense of the Interagency Committee's administrative operations are included in the annual budgets of the Board of Public Works, the State Department of Education, the Department of General Services, and the Department of Planning. The three participating agencies furnish staff to the Committee. The Executive Director is appointed by and works under the Committee's direction.
The Interagency Committee consists of five members: three serve ex officio, and the Senate President and House Speaker each appoint one public member. The State Superintendent of Schools chairs the Committee (Chapter 445, Acts of 2005; Code Education Article, sec. 5-302).
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