The Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys will be closing its doors after a vote by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, which took place during a meeting on Wednesday.
School officials pointed to ongoing financial difficulties and low academic performance as key reasons for the decision not to renew the school's charter. They indicated that data showed the institution was not meeting the standards set by the district, with most other schools in the system performing better.
Edwin Avent, the CEO of the Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys, expressed disappointment in the board's decision. He argued that when comparing the school's performance with similar demographics, particularly young African American males from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the school either matched or exceeded the performance of other institutions.
Support for the school was voiced by Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Sonja Santelises, who advocated for the closure, stating that renewing the charter would imply tolerance for underperformance within the district.
Community support for the school has been strong, with figures such as Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette Ramos underscoring its significance to the neighborhood and families. She emphasized the importance of the school in shaping the futures of young men in the community.
Avent defended the school's impact, stating that it prepares hundreds of boys to become constructive members of society, with a graduation rate of 90%. He urged the community to continue advocating for the best educational opportunities for young males in Baltimore.
This decision marks a continuation of discussions regarding the school's viability, as similar concerns had been raised in the past. However, officials noted that the school had not shown sufficient progress since those earlier discussions.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).
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