Kent County commissioners are weighing whether to build a new middle school as residents challenge the state funding formula they say unfairly treats the county as wealthy despite being one of Maryland’s poorest. Kent County News reports during a recent meeting, hestertown resident Mike Waal presented research showing Kent County ranks near the bottom in total wealth but third highest in wealth per pupil — a discrepancy he says costs taxpayers millions. The issue has taken on new urgency as commissioners decide whether to build a new Kent County Middle School. The state would cover about two-thirds of the cost, or $35.1 million.