Beginning in 2025, MCPS hired a third party contractor to conduct facility assessments which led to a data set known as a Facility Condition Index (FCI). These assessments will eventually be performed at all facilities, but an initial batch of approximately 50 schools were identified. The initial batch of schools had been included in recent CIPs, scored high on the Maryland Condition Index (MDCI), or had not received a major capital project for over 50 years. Along with the FCI, other relevant data sets were incorporated into a new CIP prioritization framework that led to the requested FY 2027 Major Capital Projects.

The first two secondary schools prioritized under this newly established approach include Eastern Middle School and Damascus High School. As part of the FY 2027 Capital Budget and FY 2027-2032 CIP, the closure of Silver Spring International Middle School (SSIMS) in July 2030 and the subsequent conversion of the facility into a holding school has been proposed. This proposal is currently under consideration by the Board of Education, with formal action scheduled in 2026.

Pending the Board's decision, if the closure of SSIMS as a comprehensive middle school is approved, the Board requests a Major Capital Project at Sligo Middle School to provide capacity for the additional SSIMS enrollment. The scope of the project would include a renewal of Sligo MS to improve facility conditions. Planning for this project would begin in FY 2028, with an anticipated completion date of August 2031. If SSIMS remains open as a comprehensive middle school, a Major Capital Project at Sligo Middle School will not be pursued.

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.