The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners (also called the School Board or Board) is the governing body of Baltimore City Public Schools. They are unpaid volunteers who aim to ensure a quality education for every Baltimore City Public Schools student. Through visionary governance, the Board provides quality instruction, manages administrative systems, and sustains a culture of excellence.
The Board consists of 12 members:
Nine members are appointed by the Mayor of Baltimore City.
Two members are elected in a citywide election every four years.
One student commissioner is elected by fellow high school students every year.
City Schools are safe learning environments where students receive an accessible and inclusive education that equips them for success.
The Board’s Mission is to provide a quality education that focuses on each child's total development, equipping all students with the life skills and academic foundation needed to contribute to our changing society.
Board's Strategic Priorities
The Board governs the district using seven strategic priorities. These priorities guide the Board while performing duties such as:
Reviewing and approving the school year budget
Approving class subjects and learning materials for students
Hiring and rating the Baltimore City Public Schools Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Recruiting, retaining, and supporting qualified employees
Engaging the community’s voice for critical decision-making
Setting the vision, mission, strategic priorities, and goals for the district
The Blueprint + Our Community = Student Success
We’ve set three Blueprint Achievement Goals to transform our school system - and the lives of students – for the better. The goals are guided by:
Board’s priorities (above)
Reconnect, Restore, Reimagine (post-COVID plan)
Four goals that support the Blueprint for Student Success
80% | 40% | 76% | 25% |
Increase the student wholeness | Increase the % of students proficient on the MCAP ELA/Literacy assessment | Increase the 4-year | Increase the % of students proficient on the MCAP Grade 3-8 and Algebra I assessment |
The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners is committed to conducting a thorough CEO search emphasizing transparency and community trust. Students, parents, staff, and leadership must be heard throughout the hiring process. The new CEO is slated to begin on July 1, 2026, or sooner. We aim for the district to be served with excellence for many years.
Updates, timelines, and more can be found on our CEO Search webpage.
The Board Office provides managerial, administrative, and operational support to the Board, oversees management and implementation of the district’s legislative agenda, and serves as the point of contact for intergovernmental affairs.
200 E. North Avenue
Room 406
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 443-984-2000
Fax: 410-545-3613
Email:
Key staff:
Email Dr. Jennifer A. Judkins, Board Executive Officer
Email E. Darrell Hope, Director, Internal Audits
Email Olympia A. Scatliffe, Manager, Internal Audits
Email Dawana Sterrette, Director, Legislative and Government Affairs
Every year, the General Assembly convenes at the State House in Annapolis for a Legislative Session. This session is pivotal because the General Assembly modifies, introduces, and abolishes laws by presenting and approving bills or drafts of proposed legislation. These bills shape education policy, funding, and school system business operations. This year, over 400 education-focused bills will be presented.
The 2025 Legislative Session is the 447th session of the General Assembly and will convene in Annapolis, Maryland, from January 8 - April 7, 2025.
To recap what happened during the 2024 Legislative Session, the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners presented a 2024 Maryland General Assembly End-of-Session report. To view each portion of the report, please click the four links below.
If you have any questions, please contact Dawana Merritt Sterrette, Esq., Director, Legislative and Government Affairs.
The "Be the Board" video series provides an insightful look into the responsibilities of the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, shedding light on the crucial role they play in shaping the district's educational system. Through Commissioner interviews/commentary and behind-the-scenes footage, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards associated with serving on the Board.
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School Board Beat is an interactive newsletter that provides subscribers with information and resources strictly related to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. Learn more about Board events, meetings, organizational updates, and more! Information is shared quarterly (every three months).
