What’s happening?
Community leaders and parents are opposing the closure of three elementary and one local high school: Dr. Bernard Harris Elementary School in East Baltimore, Eutaw-Marshburn Elementary in West Baltimore, Steuart Hill Academic Academy in Union Square, and New Era Academy high school in South Baltimore.
Why are they closing the schools?
The schools are on the chopping block due to low enrollment and a need for repairs, according to Angela Alvarez, executive director of the school district’s Office of New Initiatives.
Activists such as Sean Closkey, president of ReBUILD Metro, points to the recent population growth, a decrease in crime, and new developments in the Oliver community as reasons why Dr. Bernard Harris Elementary should remain open. “I think that as you are rebuilding the neighborhood having good assets like a good school is critical,” he said.
Other communities on the list for school closures are working on revitalization projects as well, according to The Baltimore Sun.
Anything else I should know?
The city school board will vote on the closure of the elementary schools on Jan. 25—two months after the proposal to close them was released. Advocates are asking to delay the vote for a year.
You can read more here.
