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Montgomery College is planning for the long-term future of its Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus with a review of the current master facilities plan. A letter by Frances Phipps ("No public money for college expansion until public debate held," Nov. 12) had errors about this process that deserve correction.

Montgomery College is required to submit a master plan to the Maryland Higher Education Commission every five years. Montgomery County does not approve the plan, and it has not required the college to build west of the Metro tracks.

By law, the plan must meet our students' current and future enrollment needs. The draft plan under consideration is similar to the 2004 plan endorsed by the city of Takoma Park and neighborhood groups. As in 2004, the college wants to solve its space needs by replacing or upgrading existing buildings on campus.

The college has involved the community in the process by holding public work sessions and meetings. The draft plan will be presented to the board of trustees at the Nov. 19 meeting, which is open to the public.

Montgomery College has been a member of the Takoma Park community since the purchase of the Bliss Electrical School in 1950. Nearly 60 years later, the college remains committed to working with the neighbors to plan for our future and the futures of our students.

Brad Stewart and David Capp, Takoma Park

The writers are vice president and provost of Montgomery College's Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus; and associate vice president of Montgomery College facilities, respectively.