Board votes to cover remaining two years of Crossroads Center lease after debate over utilization and cost

The Baltimore County Board of Education voted July 8 to authorize spending for the last two years of the Crossroads alternative‑education center lease after staff told the board the district is contractually bound and that failing to pay could carry severe penalties.

Doctor Grimm (facilities/special programs) and Dr. Rogers explained that when facilities staff reviewed bills they identified costs omitted from the original estimates in the 2007 contract, including escalating annual increases, common area maintenance (landscaping, snow removal, roof and preventive maintenance), HVAC costs and real estate taxes. The district reported the original cost per square foot was roughly $19.25 in 2007 and is now about $31.82 per square foot.

Board members questioned whether the district is fully using the Crossroads facility. Grimm said enrollment patterns and state law changes governing exclusionary discipline have altered placements since 2007. Staff said the program now serves a combination of in‑person, hybrid and virtual students; September, December and May enrollment snapshots were presented to show that, after adding virtual options, Crossroads served larger numbers in 2024–25 than the prior year (staff cited a mix of in‑person and virtual seats). Grimm said the district is exploring alternatives and does not intend, at this point, to renew the lease when it expires in 2027.

Several board members urged staff to pursue options that would better leverage the space. Miss Henn noted Crossroads opened with a much larger enrollment in 2007 and suggested the district consider whether the facility still meets current needs. Miss Domonowski asked what the district would do to “make good on a bad situation” given the contractual obligation. Staff said program reviews and voluntary placements remain avenues to increase in‑facility enrollment and encouraged families and counselors to follow the established program‑review process; executive director contacts were posted on the district website.

When the roll call occurred for contract item M9, members voted in favor; the board chair called for staff follow‑up on alternatives to renewing the lease after 2027.

Ending: Staff said they will continue to explore options to house alternative programs in district‑owned space and will report back; the board approved the required spending to satisfy existing lease obligations.