The funding for the Talbott Springs program would include $9.5 million to further planning and begin construction in 2020, $14.2 million in 2021 and $9.8 million in 2022.

The state’s Interagency Commission on School Construction has not committed state funds for the $41.6 million replacement building. The commission, which reviews and approves school construction spending, has said “the most cost-effective solution” is to renovate the 45-year-old Columbia school, rather than construct a new building.

The project has already received $8.1 million, including $2.6 million from County Executive Allan Kittleman’s current capital budget “to start renovation-addition work,” on the school building. The school system has moved leftover funds from other construction projects, including the recently opened Hanover Hills Elementary School, to the Talbott Springs budget line.

The opening of the 540-seat school is slated for September 2022. The school system previously proposed a 620-seat school from kindergarten to fifth grade, which the commission challenged, asking for school officials “to clarify the apparent discrepancy” between enrollment projections and the intended new building. The state has asked for more information about the “unusual” school boundaries and the proposed foreign language immersion program to be based at the school.

With the state not earmarking the funds, the county has to consider remodeling the school to receive some funding or pay all of the costs for a replacement.

Asked if the county is prepared to pay for a replacement school Paul Milton, a spokesman for the county executive, said: “We are still supporting the school system and we are hopeful that the state will come along to approve the school system’s appeal to grant the funding.” jnocera@baltsun.com