On Jan. 20, along with my colleagues on the Board of Public Works, I voted to approve $187.5 million in new construction funds for school systems throughout the State.  I applaud Governor O'Malley and the legislature for their continued commitment to funding our schools' construction, even in the midst of difficult financial times.

Recently, I've traveled across the State to spend time with local education leaders to discuss the successful efforts underway across Maryland to address critical issues such as: overcrowding, modernization of buildings, and making our school more energy efficient to meet higher standards of "green" building design.

Whether the project is a new facility or renovations to an existing one, it is important that these projects be environmentally sustainable, and that they create job opportunities for women and minority-owned and Maryland-based businesses.

Comptroller Peter Franchot visits Washington High School in Princess Anne.

See more photos from my visits on Facebook.

In these tough times, when money is tight, we must diligently take care of what we already have. Improvements to where our children learn can make a tremendous difference.

Over the next several weeks, I will be touring the State to see how taxpayer money has already been invested and to learn, firsthand, about the unmet needs that still exist.  The tour began on Jan. 21 at Washington High School in Princess Anne, and continued on Jan. 25 at Leith Walk Elementary School in Baltimore City.  I will continue to make similar visits throughout the State.

See more photos from my visits on Facebook.