Olszewski Asks Schools Superintendent to Open Dialogue

Baltimore County Councilman John Olszewski Sr. has asked that the following letter—dated Jan. 18—that he wrote to Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent S. Dallas Dance be distributed to as many people as possible:

Dear Dr. Dance:

I am writing today on behalf of my constituents who are concerned about the proposed closing of Eastwood Magnet School and the changes being proposed for Norwood Elementary School and Holabird Middle School.

I attended a public meeting on Saturday, Janaury 12 in which many parents and residents of the respective communities voiced their concerns very clearly. They feel they have been left out of the process.

It is never an easy thing to close a school in a neighborhood no matter the reasons. However, members ot the PTA, parents and other concerned citizens state that there has not been an open transparent discussion with those being affected. When it comes to their children they need to know why this is being proposed, what is to become of the students. I think they deserve to have this open discussion.

An explanation is needed as to the status of Holabird Middle School and, is it in fact under capacity. What was Eastwood School chosen as the school to close?

I promised the parents and community leaders that I would write to you and ask for a meeting with you and all concerned residents. As someone new to our county and school system, I know that it must be extremely important to you to tackle these sometimes emotional issues within our schools. It means a lot to parents and students who might be facing big changes and they need to fully understand exactly what is happening.

I will be looking forward to your response. Hopefully soon we can meet in an open dialogue with all parents, PTA members and others within the community.

I appreciate your kind attention and consideration.

Sincerely,
John Olszewski Sr.
County Council, 7th District