CHESTERTOWN — Radcliffe Creek School has been awarded $190,000 through the Maryland Legislative Bond Initiative, with the money to be used for much-needed heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements across the school campus, including bringing climate control to the gym.
“This significant investment will enhance the learning environment for students, faculty and the broader community members who utilize the building,” a news release states.
Founded in 1996, Radcliffe Creek School is a K-8 private school in Chestertown that focuses on students with learning differences.
RCS serves families throughout a broad region in Maryland as well as Sussex County in Delaware.
School officials credited the advocacy of the District 36 delegation of Sen. Steve Hershey [Upper Shore] and Delegates Jay Jacobs [Kent], Steve Arentz [Queen Anne’s] and Jeff Ghrist [Caroline] during the 2026 General Assembly session, which concluded at midnight Monday, April 13.
“I am proud to have been able to help secure $190,000 for the Radcliffe Creek School. The HVAC upgrades the school will be able to complete around their campus will greatly improve the learning environment for students and the teaching environment for faculty,” Del. Jacobs said in a statement.
“The work the faculty does for the students cannot be understated, and they are truly deserving of the funds for the project they will be starting in the coming months. Radcliffe Creek School is such a jewel to the State of Maryland,” Jacobs added.
Sen. Hershey said in a statement: “Radcliffe Creek School plays an important role for families across the Eastern Shore, and I’m pleased we were able to secure funding for the needed facility improvements to ensure students and staff have a safe, reliable learning environment. These upgrades will provide real, long-term benefits for students, staff, and strengthen community resources.”
According to a news release, the scope of the project will include replacement of aging HVAC systems in multiple classrooms, offices and the library, as well as the addition of new rooftop units to provide climate control in the school’s gym, which is a multi-use space.
The improvements will enhance day-to-day comfort but also improve energy efficiency and support the long-term sustainability of the school’s facilities.
“These critical upgrades will have a meaningful impact on our students’ daily experience, ensuring that our gym, classrooms and library remain comfortable, consistent and conducive to learning throughout the year,” Head of School Jennifer Durham said in a statement.
Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with intentional planning to minimize disruption to the academic year.
In 2025, Radcliffe Creek School received a $100,000 capital grant from the State of Maryland to replace the aging roof on its school building,
“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Hershey and Delegates Jacobs, Arentz and Ghrist for their advocacy and support of our students once again this year,” Carolyn Thompson, director of advancement, said in the news release.
She said the continued support of the District 36 delegation “reflects a deep commitment to the students and families we serve and means so much to our entire community.”
