New Era Academy in Baltimore Remains Vacant After Closure

BALTIMORE — New Era Academy, a school that has been a part of the community, has stood empty since its closure in 2023. The decision to shut down the school was made by the school board, citing low student enrollment and deteriorating infrastructure as primary reasons.

Lamont Witherspoon, a local resident, expressed his concerns about the closure, particularly how it has affected his son, who had to transfer to another school. Witherspoon reflects on the role the school played in the community, stating, "It was like the school was a role model for a lot of the kids." He noted that the school provided essential structure and discipline, with students taking pride in their uniforms.

Witherspoon highlighted a troubling trend he perceives in the city, comparing the situation in Baltimore to the development of schools in suburban areas. "I look at when I drive out in the county, I see those schools getting built up, but schools in majority African American neighborhoods are always the first to go," he remarked.

A spokesperson for Baltimore City Public Schools acknowledged the challenges of securing vacant properties like New Era Academy. Since its closure, there have been 43 police reports related to the site, including incidents of arson and burglary.

Witherspoon noted an increase in police presence around the abandoned school, stating, "The kids don't have nowhere else to go but abandoned." He called on the school district to take action regarding the vacant property.

In response to the situation, City Schools has initiated a Call for Proposals for the New Era Academy site, with the goal of finding a partner to support the establishment of a new high school and to develop the land for community use. Witherspoon expressed his willingness to advocate for the school’s reopening, stating, "If I have to help start a petition, I'd be more than happy to."

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR 2 News Baltimore (source).