He arrives like a building inspector after a minor tremor.
"The water fountains don't work and the floors are cracking and the foundation is giving way," said Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot as he toured an aging building.
Yet students at Dulaney High School cheer him like a rock star.
"Mr. Peter Franchot is here!"
“Yes!" responded students seated in the cafeteria.
Better known as the state's top bean counter and for pushing tax-free back-to-school week, Franchot has become a champion in the push back against throwing money at renovating the aging high school.
"Moving forward, you can't play Wack-a-Mole at Dulaney High School anymore,” said Yara Cheikh of the Frinds of Dulaney High School, “The board has said we need a replacement school."
On this day, Franchot would trudge through the halls of one side of the school with air conditioning and the other side that goes without.
He'd also got a firsthand look at the stadium now closed due to an electric current running through the fence.
It has left many saying the students, teachers and administrators deserve better.
"I don't have a hammer and a trowel that is doing to do these things," said Principal Sam Wynkoop.
And even the county Board of Education has decided to make replacing the school a priority.
"You never know what's behind those walls,” said Board Member Kathleen Causey, “What's underneath the cement."
Franchot says an upcoming review of every school construction budget by the state Board of Public Works could set in motion plans to replace Dulaney High once and for all.
"Trust me,” Franchot told students, “Maryland is going to do right by Dulaney."
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The Board of Public Works meeting is scheduled for October 18th, and every school superintendent in the state has been invited to attend.
