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No Child Should Learn in a School that's a Health Hazard
Our students and teachers are learning in unsafe conditions. We need your help now.
Thomas S. Wootton High School, built in 1970, has never received a structural or systemic renovation in its 55 years. Despite being added to the 2009 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) with a planned modernization in 2018, the project has been delayed indefinitely—leaving students and staff in a building that is rapidly deteriorating. In the 1999-2000 school year, there was a $16M addition to the building that added 28 classrooms and a new front façade. During the construction, infrastructure issues were found that were unaddressed.
The Facts Are Clear
An independent engineering assessment contracted by MCPS shows that Wootton has:
• One of the worst Facility Condition Index (FCI) scores in MCPS
• The only major systems (HVAC and plumbing) rated in poor condition and recommended for near-term replacement
• Electrical systems that must be replaced within two years
• Severe building hazards, including:
o Corroded pipes leaking sewage
o Widespread mold
o Rodents and droppings
o Unexplained power outages
o Broken fire alarm system
o Failing Wi-Fi critical for instruction
o Back-flowing toilets
o Repeated gas leaks (most recently on 11/24/25)
If this school were an office building, it would be condemned.
Yet more than 2,000 students and staff use it every day.
Our Advocacy Is Working — but We Need Resources
Parents, students, and staff have been pushing for years through testimony, meetings, petitions, and public records requests. We have gained the attention of board of education members, county leaders and the media—but sustaining this fight requires financial support.
Our Goal: $8,000
Your donation will directly fund:
• Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) request fees
• Independent mold and indoor air quality testing
• Independent building assessments
• Outreach and awareness materials
• Legal consultation if needed
Every dollar helps us keep pressure on decision-makers and ensure the safety of our community.
Why Your Support Matters
Wootton’s condition is not just an inconvenience—it's a health and safety crisis. Renovation delays have compounded for more than a decade, and students cannot wait any longer.
Your contribution helps us gather the evidence, visibility, and advocacy power needed to finally secure a full rebuild.
We have:
• Over 3,500 petition signatures across three campaigns
Holding School
• Growing support from families across the county
• Significant media coverage highlighting the urgency
• Strong student leadership through SGA advocacy
• A community unified in demanding safe, functional schools
Your support now will help keep this momentum going—and help protect the students and staff who learn and work in this building every day.
Every Dollar Makes a Difference
Whether you can give $10 or $100, every contribution directly supports student safety—and brings us closer to a rebuilt Wootton.
Please Donate Today
Our kids, our teachers, and our community deserve better than a crumbling building. Thank you for your generosity, your support, and your belief that every child deserves a safe place to learn.
Wootton in the News
• March 8, 2024 — My Montgomery Community Media
Wootton students call on Board of Education to renovate school over ADA violations
• November 7, 2024 — Bethesda Magazine
‘Crumbling architecture’: MCPS community raises facility concerns
• October 30, 2025 — Bethesda Today
‘This isn’t about luxury’: Families push for MCPS to address building issues in spending plan
• November 18, 2025 — Fox 5 DC
Community members urge Montgomery County leadership to rebuild Wootton High School
• November 19, 2025 — DMV Daily’s Post
Montgomery County students and community members push to rebuild Thomas S. Wootton High School
• November 20, 2025 — Fox 5 DC
Families pack school board meeting over MCPS boundary changes
• November 20, 2025 — WJLA 7
School board passes controversial plan to fund major school projects and renovations
• November 22, 2025 — WTOP
MCPS reports progress in backlog of employee background checks
• November 24, 2025 – Fox 5 DC
Wootton High School evacuated after gas leak
• November 24, 2025 – WTOP
Classes Resume at Wootton High School after suspected gas leak
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