A comprehensive capacity study to address overutilization at several elementary schools in the lower section of the Downcounty Consortium was conducted during the 2014-2015 school year. This capacity study included the following schools: East Silver Spring, Forest Knolls, Highland View, Montgomery Knolls, New Hampshire Estates, Oak View, Takoma Park, Pine Crest, Piney Branch, Rolling Terrace, Sligo Creek and Woodlin elementary schools. As a result of the capacity study it was determined that a nine classroom addition project would be constructed at Pine Crest Elementary School to relieve the overutilization at Forest Knolls and Pine Crest elementary schools. An FY 2017 appropriation was approved to begin the planning for this addition. An FY 2019 appropriation was approved for construction funds. An FY 2020 appropriation was approved for the balance of funding for this addition. This project is scheduled to be completed September 2020.

MCPS asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.