Brunswick High site decision approaches as stadium concerns divide community
School board members say no final decision has been made, while residents question replacement costs, access and the risk of delaying a new school.
HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW
The school board is scheduled to receive a presentation and vote on the replacement site Nov. 18. Staff recommended the south site, which would displace the baseball stadium, but board members say the choice remains open. Residents dispute the stadium replacement estimate and want assurances about amenities, access and temporary practice arrangements.
A new Brunswick High School is widely wanted. Where to build it—and what happens to the community’s baseball stadium—remains contested.
At a Wednesday listening session, Frederick County school board members told residents they had not made a final site decision. The Frederick News-Post reports that the board is scheduled to receive a staff presentation and vote Nov. 18.
FCPS staff previously recommended a site south of the existing school that would displace the baseball stadium. Other options would affect the football stadium to the north or the softball field and tennis courts to the east.
Board member Jaime Brennan said members had not seen the upcoming presentation and were not bound to accept staff’s recommendation. Vice President Rae Gallagher said the board could choose among the reviewed options or elements of them.
Residents challenged whether the proposed stadium replacement budget would deliver an equivalent facility. An FCPS assessment listed $1.2 million, including lights. Community member Brad Eye said that would fall roughly $3 million short, while baseball coach Roger Dawson described the existing stadium as worth $4.3 million after decades of community investment. Those are residents’ estimates, not a separately verified appraisal.
Board President Dean Rose said staff had assured him a replacement stadium would be as good as or better than the existing one, and that the board would hold staff to that commitment.
Mayor Nathan Brown remained skeptical that the south site was still an open question. Mayor Pro Tem John Caves said he felt reassured about safety concerns but wanted firmer commitments on stadium amenities. Residents have also raised questions about access and students traveling to off-campus baseball practices during construction.
Parent Jessi Zecher emphasized the need to move ahead with a safer school. Gallagher acknowledged that postponing the November vote could delay the project.
The discussion leaves the board balancing the new school’s needs, athletic facilities and construction timing. No final site selection was reported.
WHAT IT MEANS
The site decision will affect both the school construction process and athletic facilities. The board’s next presentation needs to clarify costs and commitments so residents can assess what each option would deliver.
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