Baltimore City district looks to close four schools over low enrollment

The Baltimore City district has proposed closing four schools as early as this summer over declining enrollment. 

The school board is scheduled to vote this week on the facilities plan, reports The Baltimore Sun. 

 The schools targeted for closing: Dr. Bernard Harris Elementary School, Eutaw-Marshburn Elementary, Steuart Hill Academic Academy, which would close  in summer 2022; and New Era Academy, which would close in 2023.

Those who oppose the closings say they hope the board will delay a decision for a year.

The board is trying to eliminate campuses with low enrollments in response to steady enrollment declines over the years.

In the past decade, the system has closed dozens of schools while investing about $1 billion in 28 new or renovated schools, including Patterson High School, Frederick Elementary School and Fort Worthington Elementary/Middle School.

The schools targeted for closing have seen enrollment declines over the past five years and need major repairs. The district has run out of funding to fix them.

Opponents of the closings say the district's failure to invest in these schools is the reason for enrollment has dropped, even as some communities have undergone a renaissance.