Baltimore County Public Schools Propose Shutting Down Campfield Early Learning Center: Public Comment Session Scheduled

BALTIMORE COUNTY - On Tuesday, Baltimore County Public Schools recommended closing the Campfield Early Learning Center in Gwynn Oak.

A public comment session on the closure has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on August 23 at Pikesville High School. The Board of Education plans to deliver a final verdict on the closure at its September 12th meeting. If the board green-lights the shutdown, the center will cease operations by fall 2026.

If the board votes to close the early learning center, the building will be renovated, with its future purpose yet to be determined, according to BCPS.

The Campfield Early Learning Center operates as a "Judy Center," preparing pre-kindergarten students for school readiness. According to BCPS data, the school anticipated enrolling 400 students for the 2023-2024 school year.

BCPS has clarified that the closure aligns with the upcoming completion of four primary educational projects in the northwestern region by 2026. This move will bolster primary education capacity, enabling students from Campfield to integrate into local schools, dedicated programs, or alternative elementary institutions.

According to BCPS, closing the school also aligns with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, which aims to augment full-day pre-kindergarten programs and establish more Judy Centers using millions in state funding.

BCPS plans to complete expansions at Bedford and Summit Park Elementary Schools by fall 2024, with more projects planned for Deer Park and Scotts Branch Elementary Schools by 2026.

The school district clarified that students would be moved to the expanded schools as determined by a future boundary study.

Anyone interested in speaking at the public input session can register an hour before it starts. Written comments can be submitted either by mail to the Board of Education of Baltimore County (6901 N. Charles Street, Towson, MD 21204) or via email at boe@bcps.org. Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on August 22.