Patrick Bathras Speaks at Severna Park Chamber Meeting

Patrick Bathras, principal at Severna Park High School, was the guest speaker on Thursday at the membership luncheon.

Opening his talk on the topic of the school's Business Innovation and Leadership program, Bathras spoke about the signature program that's been two years in the making—one of only two in the state. The program will offer the opportunity for students to experience the business community up close.

"We've listened to the experts with 21st century skills," Bathras said. "We hear from business leaders—signatures allow us to listen to you and bring it into the school setting."

Among the highlights of the program will be advisory classes for all students and  business leaders as guest speakers starting in the fall.

The topic then turned to one that has been at the forefront for the school—the status and time line of replacing the 52-year-old building.

Announcing that the year-longis finished, and that of the three options, revitalization, modernization or replacement, the latter was chosen. "We had no dollar figures, it was about options," he said. 

This choice was based upon the short time span of a two-and-a-half-year build, compared to up to five years with the others.  "With this (replacement), we get all of the fields back and all of the parking," he said. "It is a win-win all the way around."  The Borland Field House and bleachers will also move with the new school.

Approving a high school to be replaced is no small feat. Bathras pointed out that building a new high school is the equivalent to building three new elementary schools. The overall cost to build the new school is $99 million.

"The time is right to to do this," he said. Replacement also was the least expensive compared to the other three options considered in the said Bathras. "That was a surprise."

The next step is the design, which starts in July and will end about January 2013, said Bathras. The cost of the design is $2.5 million.

"We are hoping then for construction funds and hope to break ground," said Bathras.

The new school will be 350,000 square feet and three stories high. "It will be bigger and more capable of meeting our needs. It will be a perfect fit for our student population," Bathras said.

A plus to the design plan, which leaves the school intact while new construction takes place on the current athletic fields and stadium area, was a factor when deciding to go with building a new school. Doing so will save $6 million.

"The students will stay put while they build around us," Bathras said.

The construction area will be fenced off, keeping disruption to the school day to a minimum. Once complete, the new building will sit where the stadium and athletic fields are currently located  and the stadium and fields move over to the former school location - a swap.

The two areas that need attention under this plan are senior parking and the athletic fields, Bathras said. Both will be displaced during the two-plus year construction.

Looking at remedies, Bathras said they will be checking on area turf fields, possibly partnering with another school and also what could be available at

County Council Chairman Dick Ladd joined Bathras in explaining the projected time line and urged the Chamber members to make their voices heard when next year's budget time rolls around to ensure the next phase of construction stays in the budget.

"Anytime you run across a person from the council, reinforce the importance of getting started with Severna Park High School—it won't be a surprise to them that you want to talk about it."

Maryland State Delegate Cathy Vitale (R-Severna Park) spoke about legislation allowing the possibility of corporate sponsorship for fixtures and furniture for the school. "We then bring something to the table," she said.