Ridgely Middle School

A $14 million renovation project was substantially completed in 2008, including new energy-efficient windows, ceilings, lighting, remodeled bathrooms, and doors.^[9] In the 2008–09 school year, rooms and doors were repainted. The 19-year-old roof was also replaced, and four of five temporary classroom trailers were removed, due to increased space in the building.

Since the renovation work was completed, parents have complained that air conditioning should have been included in the project scope.^[9] Responding to a large demonstration by parents at the county seat in Towson on September 15, 2009, elected officials called for an investigation into complaints about ventilation and temperature conditions at the school, which parents attribute to the installation of the energy-efficient window system.^[10] Parents say the partially sealed windows provide insufficient outside air ventilation in the non-air conditioned school.^[10]

Temperatures of over 105 degrees have been recorded inside the school. While administrative offices are air-conditioned, classrooms are not. As a result of the heat, students have experienced nausea, aggravated asthma, and even vomiting. In 2007, one student was taken by ambulance from Ridgely to Greater Baltimore Medical Center after he became dehydrated in class.^[11]

• School homepage
• Official district site
• Ridgely Middle School profile for the Blue Ribbon Schools Program