Overview
- The nonrenewal means Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys will shut at the end of this school year, affecting about 300 students in grades four through eight.
- Officials pointed to declining test performance, gaps in special education support, and persistent financial problems, including low cash reserves and overdue payables.
- CEO Sonja Santelises warned that renewing the charter would undercut district standards, and the board’s vice chair raised concerns about the operator’s financial stability.
- Supporters such as City Councilwoman Odette Ramos and alumni argued the school offers vital structure for boys and urged creation of a new all-boys option in the district.
- Operator Edwin Avent signaled he may pursue an appeal, and a state education official said the decision could be taken to the Maryland State Board of Education.