PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A first-of-its-kind public-private partnership (P3) has delivered the first set of new schools under the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Blueprint Schools Program. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were recently held throughout the county, celebrating the bundled school delivery initiative used to design, build, finance, and maintain multiple K-12 schools.

The first five schools, all middle schools, opened their doors to 6,000 students. The number of students served will surpass more than 8,000 once the sixth school, a kindergarten through eighth-grade academy, is completed. Prince George’s County Education and Community Partners (PGCECP) — a collaborative team of Fengate Asset Management (development and financing member), Gilbane Development Company (development and financing Member), Gilbane Building Company (lead design-builder), Stantec (architect and design lead), and Honeywell (lead services provider) — delivered the education facilities in two and a half years, while creating 3,000 jobs for local businesses. Phase I includes:

• Drew-Freeman Middle School
• Hyattsville Middle School
• Kenmoor Middle School
• Sonia Sotomayor Middle School at Adelphi
• Walker Mill Middle School
• Colin Powell K-8 Academy

Under a traditional design, bid, build model, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) estimates that six new schools would cost $868.8 million to design and construct, and take 16 years to complete. The six new Blueprint Schools were completed for $485.8 million and include 30 years of facility maintenance by PGCECP (through its lead services provider, Honeywell). The maintenance plan ensures the schools continue to function at a high level over the long term, in turn avoiding the burden of deferred maintenance. PGCPS expects to realize $170 million in savings over 30 years, as compared to a traditional model.

"This project is a testament to our team’s dedication and to the effectiveness of the public-private partnership delivery model, with Prince George’s County Education and Community Partners successfully delivering multiple schools on time even in the midst of a global pandemic,” said Ed Broderick, President and CEO of Gilbane Development Company. “Through our partner Honeywell, we look forward to maintaining these schools over the coming 30 years to a standard that Prince George’s County Public Schools and its stakeholders can be proud of.”

A cornerstone of the Blueprint Schools Program is its commitment to supporting minority and locally-owned small businesses. As of August 2023, PGCECP exceeded the goal by awarding 33% of contracts ($134 million) to Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), including $68 million awarded to Prince George’s County businesses and $65 million awarded to county MBEs.

In addition to STEAM labs equipped with 3D-printers and robotics, each school includes a video production studio, community clinics, and media center. Moreover, they are all solar and electric vehicle charging-ready, with solar installation anticipated to be complete by fall 2024. Additionally, Hyattsville Middle School is equipped with a black box theater to support its Creative and Performing Arts Program. Colin Powell Academy will also feature an elementary library, four pre-kindergarten classrooms, an auxiliary gym, and innovation lab.