As part of a plan to demolish the current school building on that site and build a new and expanded high school, which we do not oppose, the Montgomery County Public Schools ("MCPS") is considering building a stadium/garage.

 

We have been working with four other homeowner association communities along Edson Lane to oppose this stadium, preserve the Forest, and save money at a time when MCPS and the County as a whole are facing enormous fiscal challenges because of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

 

We ask that you support our efforts by sending an e-mail (sample below)

To:

County Executive at Marc.Elrich@montgomerycountymd.gov,

County Councilmembers at County.Council@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov, and to the

Board of Education at boe@mcpsmd.org. 

 

Subject: Eliminate the Financially Wasteful & Environmentally Destructive Woodward Stadium

Dear County Executive Marc Elrich; County Council President Katz and Other Members of the Montgomery County Council; and Board of Education President Evans and Other Members of the Montgomery County Board of Education:

 

Say no to the building of a stadium for the new Charles W. Woodward High School Reopening and Expansion Project.  The stadium would destroy our critical Edson Lane Forest,  a precious and irreplaceable environmental resource and habitat for wildlife during this period of climate change.

In addition, Montgomery County must carefully review how this stadium realistically fits into the County’s quest for excellence in education, particularly at a time when the County stands to lose millions in tax revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic.  County officials have projected losing more in tax revenue in the next fiscal year than following the 2008 recession.  We are facing a new, harsh fiscal reality, and it is incumbent on you to exercise leadership in dealing with this new reality. I urge you all to think creatively -- several public options currently exist whereby Woodward High School could share stadium facilities with nearby high schools, parks, or other athletic facilities.

 

Eliminate the Woodward stadium and strike a blow for fiscal prudence and sound environmental management.

Sincerely,

 

(Name)

(Address)

 

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