Eastwood School Closure Public Hearing Set for Feb. 12
Community residents are encouraged to attend and offer their thoughts regarding the proposed closure of the magnet school.
Baltimore County Public Schools officials have issued the following announcement of a public hearing regarding the proposed closure of Eastwood Elementary Magnet School:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED CLOSING OF EASTWOOD CENTER
The Board of Education of Baltimore County has received a recommendation from the Superintendent to close Eastwood Center Elementary Magnet School,
(428 Westham Way, Baltimore, MD 21224 ).
On February 12, 2013 at 6 p.m. at Dundalk High School, 1901 Delvale Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21222, the Board will conduct a public hearing on the Superintendent’s proposal to close Eastwood. Snow date will be February 20, 2013.
All persons wishing to testify at the public hearing must:
• Identify themselves, and, if applicable, the group they represent;
• All presentations are limited to three (3) minutes.
• Sign up to speak prior to the hearing. Sign up sheets will be available as of 5 p.m. on February 12, 2013.
In addition to the above, the Board will accept written comments or data for the Board’s consideration through the close of business on February 12, 2013. Such written data or testimony should include the same identifying information requested of persons testifying at the public hearing and should be sent to: 6901 Charles Street, Towson, MD 21204 or, by electronic mail, to: brenda.stiffler@bcps.org. Written testimony or data submitted to the Board shall not exceed six (6) pages in length.
The Board will consider the views of the public prior to making its final decision. The Board will have its final vote on the Superintendent’s recommendation at its meeting of March 5, 2013.
Decision Making Procedures
In making its final decision, the Board of Education will be guided by:
• The scheduling of a public hearing, and
• The consideration of the eight (8) factors required by the State Board of Education
Final Decision
The Board’s final decision to close Eastwood Center will be announced in a public meeting and such decision will subsequently be made available in writing. The written decision will include a rationale for closing. Notification of the final decision will be provided to the community in the affected geographic attendance area.
Buzz Beeler
12:58 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
his comment leaves a lot to be desired: "The written decision will include a rationale for closing." The only rationale for closing is the current political agenda.
A complete and total lack of leadership is represented in this false decision. I believe we are watching a case of political suicide.
Tom
6:38 am on Monday, February 11, 2013
Anyone know where to find the "8 factors" that are required to be met? Our children are being pushed aside for the almighty dollar. Its a sad day when someone like a John Vontran tries to justify closing a school by saying to me "hey it could be worse, there could be a homeless shelter going in to the school."
Matthew
9:15 am on Monday, February 11, 2013
The 8 that you are asking about:
(1) Student enrollment trends;
(2) Age or condition of school buildings;
(3) Transportation;
(4) Educational programs;
(5) Racial composition of student body;
(6) Financial considerations;
(7) Student relocation;
(8) Impact on community in geographic attendance area for school
proposed to be closed and school, or schools, to which students will be relocating.
This isn't about John Vontran and I'm not sure how having an emergency cold-weather shelter is such a gross violation of governmental practice. The bottom line is that Baltimore County is figuring out ways to cut costs, provide services, increase tax base, etc., and this seems like the probably eventuality of doing this. The temporary, and it will be temporary, disruption to the routine is sadly collateral damage. No one is taking away their education and no one is taking away community programs. They might be in a different (and new/better) building, if there is a sufficient proposal, but the Chicken Little's need to stop with this 'sky is falling' routine.
Welcome to the 21st century, time for Dundalk to get some new stuff. Housing, schools, retail, etc. Let's see what the proposals are before we decide that our kids won't benefit from a STEM magnet in the Southeast area. This could be an incredible opportunity for our kids. And I certainly wouldn't mind a new community building.
Not sure about using Eastwood...but that's another post...
Buzz Beeler
8:17 am on Monday, February 11, 2013
The community must show up in force and speak loudly enough in order for their voices to be heard.
Like Dr. Ben Carson said there if a fourth element of government called special interest that is amerced in a culture of corruption.
MC
10:53 am on Monday, February 11, 2013
That's a great response Matthew. Only problem is that it doesn't fit into the negativeness that is Buzzard's life.
Buzz Beeler
4:42 pm on Monday, February 11, 2013
Mathew, one way to cut cost is the entitlements. Food stamps increasing well over 500% might be a good start. Talk to some businessmen. Look at the county's pension system starting at the top.
Do you live in Eastwood community? The study according to Mr. Sheppard is the Chief said it was OK to make the move. Those people don't want the change. I was there. I wrote the blog and interviewed the people.
Where is the data on the eight requirements you speak of? Every school in the county is old. The Catholic school program is superior to the county in many categories at a lower cost.
Show me how the tax payer recoups on the Yorkway deal? Do the math?
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/08/educating-children-catholic-schools-doing/
It seems the voices in Towson are heard by the county executive.
You guys need to do your research and put the facts out there.
Matthew
5:20 pm on Monday, February 11, 2013
How do you find these tangents to go off on? Yorkway, entitlement spending, food stamps...what are you talking about?
I even said I'm not crazy about the move to Eastwood.
Of course Catholic schools get great results. People who can afford to send their kids there make up the composition of results. And when they misbehave, don't come to school, can't pass a class, they get dumped to a public school to pick up the slack. Do you comprehend the reason for the varied result?
Finally, this country is founded on majoritarian principles. Not client, interest group, or entrepreneurial policy making. You don't always get what you want. We all share cost and we all share benefits. Decisions aren't always made for neighborhoods. There is no government of Eastfield or Eastwood; there is one for Baltimore County. Should their voices be heard and considered? Yes. Are they entitled to stifle the progress and development of an entire region/town? No.
And again...we still haven't seen a final proposal...
Steve
5:28 pm on Monday, February 11, 2013
Over half of all Food Voucher recipients (the Food Stamp program ended oh.....20 years or so ago) are either the elderly or children. What do you propose doing? Rounding them up and euthanizing them?
The self sufficiency standard for an adult living in Baltimore County is $14.38 per hour. One adult plus one child it bumps up to $24.45 per hour. That's just self sufficiency (Housing ,food, Medical care etc.)
Buzz Beeler
2:15 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
This is a copy of the e-mail I received from the county.
Subject: Fwd: Re: PIO - FS Information Request
From: "Maureen Robinson" <mrobinso@dhr.state.md.us>
Date: 6/25/2012 5:15 PM
To: <Buzz@buzzbeeler.com>
Hello Mr. Beeler
I just received this information from our Family Investment Program statistic spedalist. I will also forward the information from the Housing Office shortly. I hope it's what
you needed.
Best wishes, Maureen Robinson
»> Elaine Hutchison 6/25/2012 4:39 PM »>
In response to this request from Buzz Beeler
"Dear Ms. Robinson:
can you please provide with the number of people in Baltimore County
that are on food stamp programs in the years of 2002 and 2012, along
with the total cost of each of the two years."
In FY 2002, an average of 10,666 households with 22,200 individuals received FS each month for a yearly cost of $19,378,700.
In FY 2012, an average of 45,622 households with 94,313 individuals received FS each month at a yearly cost of $130,157,000. We are still in FY 2012 so these figures reflect activity through May.
Elaine Hutchison
************************"**
Steve
2:21 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
What in the Hell is a "spedalist"?
Buzz Beeler
9:42 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Ask them, it's their e-mail. I would guess it's a typo.