Over the course of two meetings on March 4 and March 18, the St. Mary’s County Board of Education finalized plans for redistricting across St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

The process began in fall 2025, when Cannon Design, a consulting firm hired to review data and conduct public engagement, held community work sessions. Since then, the consultant has presented several proposals based on collected data, community input and goals established by the board at the outset of the process.

Those priorities included effective and efficient use of resources in a fiscally responsible manner, optimized use of facilities, maximizing opportunities for student achievement and delivering the best instructional program within available resources, and relieving overcrowding.

Using Cannon Design’s proposals, Superintendent Scott Smith developed recommendations that were later refined with input from board members. Under the elementary and middle school redistricting plan, closing White Marsh would trigger a realignment of many elementary school districts and all middle school districts to adjust feeder patterns. Smith initially proposed assessing enrollment over the next two years before deciding whether to close White Marsh Elementary School.

The Board of Education generally supported most recommendations, however, Dorothy Andrews voted against the redistricting map changes in Recommendation 1, listed above. All board members voted against Recommendation 2. Board of Education Chair Karin Bailey emphasized that no changes to elementary or middle school boundaries will take effect at this time.

A major factor in potentially keeping White Marsh open is the cost of capital improvements tied to the building’s age. State funding is largely based on a school site’s capacity, and White Marsh has limited expansion potential. As a result, the county would need to fund nearly $9 million in improvements locally.

“Otherwise, that school will close and affect all elementary and middle school students in two years,” Bailey said.

Changes at the high school level will begin next school year.

The superintendent’s plan shifts portions of Hollywood from the Leonardtown High School district to Chopticon High School. Students along Indian Bridge Road, and a small group from Woodland Acres near the intersection of Routes 235 and 4, were initially slated to move from Leonardtown High to Great Mills High School.

However, during a public hearing, residents along Indian Bridge Road strongly opposed reassignment to Great Mills, citing differences in course offerings and potential effects on property values. Several residents said they purchased homes based on the existing school district.

During its March 4 work session, the board incorporated that feedback. Bailey suggested keeping Indian Bridge Road students in the Leonardtown High district.

Under the revised plan, areas of Hollywood — including Mervell Dean Road to South Sandgates Road along northbound Route 235, and Clover Hill Road to Hollywood Road along southbound Route 235 — will move to Chopticon High. A small portion of Woodland Acres near the Route 235/4 intersection will shift to Great Mills.

Several board members said keeping Indian Bridge Road students at Leonardtown would preserve capacity at Great Mills in anticipation of planned developments that could add about 100 students in coming years.

Even with the adjustments, all three high schools are projected to exceed 100% capacity. State regulations allow slight overcapacity, while county regulations permit up to 116%.

In total, the plan will reassign 352 students from Leonardtown High School, with 285 moving to Chopticon and 51 to Great Mills under a phased, four-year plan affecting incoming ninth graders. Parents and guardians of affected students will be notified by April 30, including details on transportation changes.

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