The state is giving office furniture to three Baltimore City schools.
The Maryland Department of General Services said Wednesday it


was donating excess equipment to Cross County Elementary School, George W.F. McMechen Middle/High School and Garrison Middle School.
State officials describe these kinds of donations as a good way to maximize taxpayer dollars.

Gov. Robert Ehrlich signed legislation last year authorizing the Department of General Services to dispose of surplus property to public schools in any jurisdiction in Maryland. Previously, transfers were limited to the school system in which the property originated.

State officials say more than $763,000 in surplus property has been given to Maryland schools since 2003. That includes $256,623 worth of computers, monitors and other equipment donated to Baltimore City schools.

“Recycling state property is cost-effective, efficient government,” Department of General Services Secretary Steve Cassard said in a statement. “Through our collaborative efforts, this equipment will have a second life in the classroom environment.”