The Baltimore City school board has voted to close three of its campuses in summer 2023 because of declining enrollment.
Eutaw-Marshburn Elementary, Steuart Hill Academic Academy and New Era Academy will be shuttered after the 2022-23 school year, reports The Baltimore Sun.
Dr. Bernard Harris Elementary School had been targeted for closing, but the board opted to keep it open.
The schools wet to close have seen enrollment decline over the past five years and need major repairs. The district does not have the money to fix the facilities.
Eutaw-Marshburn Elementary needs nearly $20 million in repairs. Officials acknowledge that the building is safe for the 229 students still enrolled there, but they pointed out that three other nearby elementary schools are in better condition and have the space to serve more students.
At Steuart Hill Academic Academy,a stream runs under the building, and district officials say that causes the school to periodically flood. The facility also needs a new roof, chimney and windows.
Officials said it would cost about $16 million to upgrade New Era Academy. The HVAC system runs on steam and is corroding, causing thousands of dollars to be spent in upkeep. The building also does not have air conditioning.
The school closings are part of an attempt to operate the district more efficiently by eliminating campuses with low enrollment.
In the past decade, the system has closed dozens of schools while investing about $1 billion in 28 new or renovated facilities.
