City school leaders voted unanimously to close 5 city schools. The Board factored poor performance and dwindling enrollment as part of its decision.
Five out of six schools will close at the end of the 2018 school year. Another school will close but the board is weighing student options at this time.
People are not pleased with the decision.
"You're talking about a 5-year-old. We won't even talk about the distance to get down there. How are you going to expect elementary school kids to be able to maneuver over a mile between two schools?" said Helena Hicks, a resident of the community.
But city leaders say the closures are necessary, the students will be taken care of and the buildings will be used to better serve the city.
"Immediately after tonight, staff will work a shift to see how we can help transition communities and transition whole school," said Dr. Sonja Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools.
The Board deferred the vote on closure of William Pinderhughes Elementary/Middle School. It’s the only middle school option in Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood.
Five out of six city schools will close in Summer 2018. They are:
- Dr. G. Woodson Elementary/Middle
- Coldstream Park Elementary/Middle
- Friendship Academy of Engineering and Technology
- Knowledge and Success Academy
- Rognell Heights Elementary/Middle
The next vote to decide is whether William Pinderhughes will close is set for January 23
