PGCPS Kicks Off Blueprint Schools Phase II with Groundbreaking at Margaret Brent Elementary

With hard hats donned and shovels in hand, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) marked the official launch of Blueprint Schools Phase II at the future site of the new Margaret Brent Elementary School! As dirt flew and excitement filled the air, the groundbreaking ceremony set the stage for the development of new, state-of-the-art educational facilities across the county.

The event brought together PGCPS school and district leaders, community and business partners and elected officials who spoke of the collective effort and commitment that made the occasion possible.

“Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the beginning of a construction project. It’s the beginning of a new chapter for the Margaret Brent area and other schools to be included in this phase,”said Superintendent Millard House II. “Blueprint Phase II is a long awaited and unprecedented demonstration of true collaboration across all levels of government.”

Superintendent Millard House II, Glenridge Elementary School student and Principal Dr. Sharone Anderson-Davis and Prince George’s County District 7 Board of Education Member Dr. Kenneth Harris.

Maryland State Delegate Ashanti Martinez, a PGCPS alum who grew up in New Carrollton where Brent will be built, also praised the partnership between local and state governments that made the project possible.

Originally constructed in 1962, Margaret Brent is known for its role as a Regional Special Education Center. The new school will continue to support students with tailored needs and will host a specialized Community Referenced Instruction (CRI) within the school.

Features of the new Margaret Brent Elementary include:

• Net-Zero Energy: The facility will generate as much energy as it uses.
• Solar Panels: Roof-mounted solar arrays will provide hands-on educational opportunities.
• Compostable Kitchen: A fully compostable kitchen to enhance sustainability.
• Geothermal Energy: Geothermal systems will be used for heating and cooling.

Aligned with PGCPS’s Climate Change Action Plan, these features highlight the district’s commitment to both educational excellence and environmental stewardship.

Blueprint Schools Phase II will see the construction of eight new schools — six elementary and two Pre-K-8 academies  — by 2028. This project represents a significant investment in modernizing our educational infrastructure and meeting the growing needs of our community.

The project reflects the collaborative efforts of local and state partners, including County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, the County Council, the Board of Education, and the Prince George’s County Delegation. 

Groundbreakings for the remaining seven schools in Phase II will take place over the coming months.