I am on my way to cover the Howard County school board approval of the 2009 fiscal capital budget. One of the hottest ticket items this year is a renovation plan at Mount Hebron High School in Ellicott City.

Read this story for a brief recap of what's going on at the school.

What is your definition of bad school conditions? Parents, students, and staff at Mount Hebron High School think that their school is in desperate need of repair and attention.

Mount Hebron is among Howard County’s oldest.

Top-ranking school system officials have favored a renovation project at the school that includes mechanical upgrades, full systemic renovations and an expansion of the school's art, athletic and administrative offices.

Many parents at the school want the renovation project to correct a slew of deficiencies, which is in excess of 20, and would essentially require a replacement school.

Advocates have made the conditions sound like the school is a step down from Beirut.

Watch the YouTube video below, which was produced by students at the school. Judge for yourself.
In 2004 students made a video about the school. As a result, the school was featured on a morning television news show. The school later received a renovated auditorium.

Should the squeaky wheel get the oil? Are there other schools that do not get the resources they need because their parents, students, and staff are not as vocal and skilled in the arts of effective communications? You decide.

Do you know of schools with worse conditions that you would think are in more need of attention? Do you think that the conditions documented at Mount Hebron High warrant immediate attention?

In the coming weeks we will solicit input from you about unfavorable facility conditions in Maryland public schools. Believe me, this is an award that schools do not want to receive.