Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) has proposed relocating its Central Office to 40 South Second Street in Oakland beginning in the 2027–2028 school year. The proposal is part of a collaborative effort between GCPS and Garrett County Government to make more efficient use of existing public facilities, address the long-term facility needs of both organizations, and reduce future capital and operational costs. It would also allow the school system to direct available capital resources toward school facilities and student learning environments.
The GCPS Central Office was located at 40 South Second Street for many years before relocating in 2023 to the Dennett Road Education Complex and Northern Middle School. At the November 10, 2026, meeting of the Garrett County Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Nicole Miller presented a proposal outlining a collaborative plan with Garrett County Government. Miller's proposal includes entering into a lease agreement for the renovated 40 South Second Street facility, constructing a maintenance building at Broad Ford School, and returning the Dennett Road Education Complex to the County Government.
Both organizations recognize the importance of managing public resources responsibly while planning for long-term facility needs. The proposal provides an opportunity to reduce GCPS's future capital improvement obligations, avoid significant costs associated with maintaining the Dennett Road Education Complex, and prioritize capital investments in the places and services that matter most to our students and community.
Both GCPS and Garrett County Government have independently reviewed the long-term capital needs associated with maintaining the Dennett Road Education Complex and estimate that necessary improvements would cost at least $6 million. The most immediate need is replacement of the HVAC system, estimated at approximately $4 million.
Miller's proposal includes the following estimated financial impacts:
- GCPS annual operational savings: $10,000-15,000 per year through the relocation of the Central Office.
- Long-term capital improvement savings: At least $6 million by avoiding the renovations needed to maintain Dennett Road Education Complex
- Upfront investment: Approximately $650,000 to construct a maintenance building at Broad Ford School. The proposal requests $575,000 from the County Government, with the remaining $75,000 funded by the Board of Education by redirecting funds currently reserved for improvements to Dennett Road.
“This partnership with Garrett County Government reflects our shared commitment to responsible planning, thoughtful use of public resources, and investing in the facilities and opportunities that benefit our students and community,” said Superintendent Dr. Nicole Miller.
Garrett County Board of Education President Mr. Woods expressed appreciation for the collaboration, stating, “On behalf of the Garrett County Elected Board of Education, we would like to express our deep thanks to the Garrett County Board of Commissioners for this wonderful opportunity. Dr. Miller and her staff have worked closely with the Commissioners’ staff to ensure the best use of taxpayer dollars by moving to the 2nd Street location.”
Commissioner Mr. Ryan Savage echoed that support, stating, “The Board of Garrett County Commissioners strongly supports Dr. Miller’s proposal. It’s a common-sense move that saves taxpayer dollars and fits well into our long-term facilities plan. Aging buildings and rising utility costs call for a fresh look at how we use and share our spaces, and we’ll be sharing the County’s full facilities plan in the coming weeks.”
By sharing space under the proposed lease, GCPS and Garrett County Government will get more value from buildings taxpayers already own while planning responsibly for the future of both organizations.
