Public schools

A Northwest Baltimore community fighting to save its school — considered an anchor of the neighborhood — has been granted the rare opportunity to plead its case before a state administrative judge. Langston Hughes Elementary is among five city schools due to close at the end of the school year. "Our kids have exceeded every single expectation you have put in front of them," community leader, George Mitchell said. "We are doing exactly what you want a school to do. We've never asked y'all for anything. Just leave us alone." Delegate Jill Carter will defend the community in court, Carter said she is taking the case because "the overwhelming consensus is that it would be to the detriment to the community, exposing the children to harm and danger."