A million-dollar grant for Bates M.S. in Annapolis, delegate claims unfair treatment

BatesMiddle School in Annapolis celebrates the arts.  And by doing so, parents say it's brought up academic grades.

Students from the southern end of the county compete to get a spot in the classroom.  But the school itself will have no competition for building improvements.

"Bates Middle School hasn't had a major renovation since the Nixon era," said Lisa Pline, Bates M.S. PTA president.    

Pline's daughter plays the saxophone at Bates and wishes the performances could be at the school.

"We have no decent gym, no decent theater.  There's no where in the school that we can actually do any school performances," Pline said.   

A million dollars will go toward a new gym, a new theater, and building improvements.  The money comes from a state grant obtained by House Speaker Michael Busch, whose daughter is in 8th grade at Bates, according to Pline.

Del. Herb McMillan says the Speaker unfairly used his influence to put Bates above other Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

"My concern is the process.  This money materialized at the last minute.  As most people know, we have a list of schools in Anne Arundel County that are waiting on repairs," said Del. McMillan. 

Del.McMillan says he knows that other schools have bigger issues, like problems with mold.  But Pline defends against unfair treatment, saying Speaker Busch's family will not benefit from the changes. 

"I don't believe it's in Mike Busch's interest.  His daughter will be graduated by the time any of the renovations will be made," said Pline.     

We tried to reach Speaker Busch later in the day Friday, but he was unavailable.

He has been quoted as saying he makes “no apologies.”