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 School, Roots 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:
