BALTIMORE – Baltimore City Public Schools is set to spend over $11 million on renovations at the University of Baltimore's Academic Center, which will only be utilized for three years. Following this period, the building is scheduled for demolition, raising concerns about the effective use of taxpayer funds.
The renovations aim to provide a temporary home for City College high school students while their own campus undergoes significant upgrades. However, after the three-year lease expires in 2028, the facility will no longer serve its intended purpose.
City Council Member James Torrence criticized the decision, suggesting that City Schools could have explored extending their lease to accommodate additional high schools during their renovations. He highlighted the extensive renovations undertaken, including the construction of a new cafeteria, updates to 30 classrooms, and the installation of a new security system.
According to estimates presented at a May 2024 school board meeting, the total cost of the project was initially projected at $9.8 million but has since escalated to approximately $11.17 million. This figure encompasses hard construction costs and additional expenses related to transportation, security measures, and other logistical needs.
Critics, including school board candidates, have described the expenditure as wasteful. Brian Robertson, a former teacher, emphasized that the funds could have been better allocated to address basic needs in other schools, such as air conditioning and drinking water.
Another candidate, Domonique Flowers, expressed skepticism about the school board's decision, questioning what alternative options were considered prior to committing to the renovations.
City Schools defended its choice, stating that the only other viable option would have been the old Thurgood Marshall Middle School, which would have incurred higher renovation costs and eventually become city-owned property.
Council Member Odette Ramos supported the decision to utilize the University of Baltimore, citing its central location and potential benefits for students, including exposure to a college environment.
The lease at UB is set to conclude in 2028, with plans for demolition slated for 2030, contingent upon continued state support for the university's facilities plan. The Academic Center currently accounts for a significant portion of the university's deferred maintenance, and the proposed demolition aims to replace it with a smaller, more efficient structure.
As the situation unfolds, Torrence remains hopeful for more creative solutions to better utilize educational resources in the city.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).
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