Baltimore School Board Candidates Debate Closure Moratorium
Candidates running for two board seats are divided on a proposed three-year pause for district school closures.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Should your local school board declare a moratorium on closing under-enrolled schools?
Candidates vying for the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners are debating the future of district school closures ahead of the November 2026 election. The policy discussion centers on whether to implement a three-year moratorium on closing neighborhood schools.
Why it matters
Proponents of the moratorium argue that school closures cause significant trauma to local families and leave behind vacant buildings that harm the community. Conversely, opponents suggest that a blanket moratorium fails to address the specific resource needs of individual district schools.
Four candidates are campaigning for two open seats on the board for the upcoming November 2026 election. While CEO Jermaine Dawson recently suspended the closure of two district schools, charter school closures remain permitted.
The players
Ashley Esposito
An incumbent board member seeking reelection who has proposed a three-year moratorium on school closures.
Jamar Day
A candidate for the school board who includes a school closure moratorium as part of his campaign platform.
Domonique Flowers
A candidate for the school board who supports the implementation of a moratorium on school closures.
Kwame' Jamal Kenyatta-Bey
An incumbent board member running for reelection who opposes the proposal for a school closure moratorium.
Jermaine Dawson
The CEO of the school district who recently issued a suspension on the closure of two specific district schools.
The details
Board members evaluate potential school closures by reviewing facility conditions, enrollment numbers, student outcomes, and operational funding. Candidates Jamar Day, Ashley Esposito, and Domonique Flowers have expressed support for a moratorium, while incumbent Kwame' Jamal Kenyatta-Bey remains opposed to such a broad policy.
Timeline
Ashley Esposito campaigned on the school closure issue in 2022.
The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners election is set for November 2026.
Culture Shift
This debate mirrors a growing trend in urban school districts to prioritize community stability over traditional consolidation metrics. The election serves as a referendum on how Baltimore manages its facility footprint against the established operational guidelines of the district.
The outcome of the November 2026 election will directly influence whether neighborhood schools in the area remain open or face closure based on enrollment and funding reviews. Residents may see changes in their children's school stability depending on which candidates are seated.
The takeaway
The school closure debate highlights the tension between fiscal management and the preservation of neighborhood community anchors. Voters should assess how candidates propose to balance operational efficiency with the potential negative impacts of shuttering district schools.
Further reading
For more information on city governance, read the Baltimore Administration section.
Live Poll
Should your local school board declare a moratorium on closing under-enrolled schools?
