Newark, MD, May 19, 2026– Worcester County Public Schools has been awarded more than $5.9 million in state grant funding through the Maryland Energy Administration to support major energy modernization projects across three school facilities.
The funding, announced today by Governor Wes Moore as part of a statewide $56.8 million investment in energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives, will support projects designed to modernize infrastructure, reduce energy costs, and advance environmental sustainability throughout Worcester County schools.
Under the Fiscal Year 2026 grant awards, Worcester County Public Schools will receive:
$2,625,000 to replace the HVAC system at Snow Hill Elementary School with a high-efficiency, fully electric system;
$2,479,000 to install a geothermal system at Berlin Intermediate School designed to achieve net-zero energy operations; and
$812,500 to install 325 kilowatts of locally education agency-owned solar capacity at Worcester Technical High School.
“These projects represent a significant investment in the future of Worcester County Public Schools,” said Superintendent of Schools Annette Wallace. “By modernizing our facilities with energy-efficient technologies, we are creating healthier learning environments for students and staff while reducing long-term operational costs and supporting Maryland’s sustainability goals.”
The grants are part of several Maryland Energy Administration initiatives, including the Decarbonizing Public Schools Program, which supports school systems in transitioning to cleaner, more efficient energy systems. According to the Governor’s Office, the statewide projects funded this year are expected to generate more than 33,000 megawatt-hours of lifetime energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Governor Wes Moore emphasized the importance of energy efficiency investments in supporting Maryland families and communities.
“We are laser-focused on making Maryland more affordable, and that means taking direct action to lower everyday costs,” Gov. Moore said. “By investing in energy efficiency, we aren’t just reducing emissions – we are cutting utility bills and keeping more money in the pockets of Maryland families, schools, and businesses.”
Maryland Energy Administration Director Kelly Speakes-Backman noted that the investments will help modernize schools and public buildings while supporting the state’s climate and affordability goals.
“The awards we’re announcing today will make Maryland’s homes, schools and large buildings cleaner and more efficient, resulting in lower bills for ratepayers, reduced energy demand, and lower emissions for all of us,” Speakes-Backman said.
The projects at Snow Hill Elementary School, Berlin Intermediate School, and Worcester Technical High School are expected to provide long-term operational savings while strengthening Worcester County Public Schools’ commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.
For more information about the Maryland Energy Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 grant awards, visit the Maryland Energy Administration website.