Baltimore County learning center may close earlier than expected, according to district proposal

BALTIMORE - A Baltimore County learning center may close earlier than expected, according to a new proposal from district officials. 

In 2023, Campfield Early Learning Center was listed as one of the schools that would be impacted by the school board's redistricting plan which aimed to increase school capacity. 

When Baltimore County Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers recommended the school closure, she also pointed to four elementary school capital projects that were set to be completed in 2026.

The projects would add more than 1,200 seats to elementary schools and allow Campfield students to go back to their home schools as the building is repurposed. 

In August 2023, parents and teachers spoke out against the closure during a school board meeting. 

"Most schools, the administration can't focus on early childhood in such a way that ours does," Campfield special educator Daniel Chaney said.

Another educator at the center said the lessons go far beyond the classroom. 

Campfield is designed to help promote school readiness for young children and provide family services such as childcare. 

In September 2023, the school board voted to close the learning center at the end of the 2025-26 school year. 

However, on Friday, district officials proposed closing Campfield at the end of the 2024-25 school year instead due to low attendance. 

Officials said less than 60 students are expected to attend Campfield Early Learning Center during the 2025-26 school year and suggested transitioning programs and students to their home schools at the end of the current school year. 

Staff members who would be impacted by the change in the timeline would be prioritized for transfers, district officials said. 

Officials said the board will discuss the updated proposal during a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11. A public hearing will then be held on Wednesday, March 5 at Milford Mill Academy. 

The board is expected to vote on the new timeline during a meeting on March 11.