Weast says he underestimated construction budget by $239 million

Announcing a six-year, $1.7 billion school construction budget, school Superintendent Jerry Weast said his previous proposed budget was off by $239 million.

He took no responsibility, casting blame on the rising cost of construction materials.

According to the Gazette, Weast says he is asking for the taxpayers to make up the difference in his new budget.

The budget includes schools that the local communities don't even want, such as the Seven Locks "replacement" school on Kendale Road in Potomac. The Seven Locks PTA has repeatedly voted against the plan of Weast and the county school board to build the new school, saying it would be much easier and far cheaper simply to expand the existing building.