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City Leaders Prepare To Rebuild Crumbling School System

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore City leaders describe the moment as historic: the city has the money it needs to rebuild its crumbling school system.

Mike Schuh explains.

Money made from the five-cent bottle tax, city school funds and state dollars will combine for a $1.1 billion building spree.

Over 20 years, 14 new schools will be built and 30 will be renovated.

Backroom politics were in play. The entire Baltimore delegation was prepared to vote against the gas tax unless the state found money for schools.

Mayor Stephanie-Rawlings Blake said she hopes the construction plan will change lives.

Groundbreaking for the first of the 14 new schools is expected in two years.

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