WMAR-TV
Westside Elementary in Baltimore is one of 5 schools in the city district that have been targeted for closure.
Westside Elementary in Baltimore is one of 5 schools in the city district that have been targeted for closure.
Westside Elementary in Baltimore is one of 5 schools in the city district that have been targeted for closure.
Westside Elementary in Baltimore is one of 5 schools in the city district that have been targeted for closure.
Westside Elementary in Baltimore is one of 5 schools in the city district that have been targeted for closure.

Baltimore City Schools CEO recommends closing 5 schools

Nov. 11, 2015
Poor academic performance and school climate are some of the reasons cited for the recommended closings

The Baltimore City Schools CEO is recommending closure of five schools at the end of this school year.

WMAR-TV identifies the targeted schools as Baltimore Community High School, Maritime Industries Academy, Westside Elementary SchoolRoots and Branches, and the Maryland Academy of Technology and Health Sciences.

A report to the school board from district CEO Gregory Thornton spelled out the rationale behind the recommended closures.

  • Baltimore Community High is on the list because of "concerns about the school climate and low academic performance."
  • Maritime Industries Academy has been targeted because of a sizable enrollment drop after the program was moved to a new location.
  • Westside Elementary would be closed so that its planned merger with John Eager Howard Elementary can occur ahead of schedule.
  • Roots and Branches, a K-5 charter school, is on the list because of low student achievement and concerns about financial viability. 
  • Maryland Academy of Technology and Health Sciences, a charter school for grades 6 to 12, was recommended for closure because a review of its operations found its school climate and governance were ineffective.

The school board is scheduled to vote in January whether to accept the recommendations.

Video from WMAR-TV:

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