Walter spoke of Havre de Grace High's unique security issues, noting law enforcement today has problems previous generations never faced, such as social media and violent video games, and officials need to be prepared to address them.

"Havre de Grace is the only school in Harford County that actually has a city road going through the center of the campus," Walter said. "This is a huge safety issue from a law enforcement standpoint."

Walter said the school also has public sidewalks.

"Havre de Grace High is the only school that does not have an absolutely secure campus," she said.

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Mills, of the planning department, said governments have long been pushing sustainable development, such as the new PlanMaryland initiative.

"The state and county and municipal governments now need to be focused on revitalization and redevelopment. Any new growth to reduce urban sprawl needs to be in dedicated growth areas. And all need to have public infrastructure already in place," he said, explaining a revamped Havre de Grace High would support those goals.

"Havre de Grace has the capacity right now for 2,280 family dwellings to be added to what's already being built and what has been built," he said.

Mills, a 1967 graduate of the school, said the housing market will rebound at some point and Havre de Grace High needs "curbside appeal" to attract those newcomers.

"When I walk out of city hall each morning, each evening, I look at the same school basically that was there 45 years ago," he said. "I commend the board for the athletic facilities. Now it's time to do the same for the physical plant."

Nina Cogan, president of the Havre de Grace High School Chapter of the National Honor Society, noted security is very poor at the school.

"The music wing is always unlocked during the school day," she said, adding anyone can be buzzed in and it 's only a short trip once inside the main entrance to get to the cafeteria.