Published by the City of Baltimore on April 14, 2025 - Last week, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the appointment of Larry Carlton Simmons Jr. to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. Mr. Simmons' work in both the nonprofit and public sectors span over two decades with experience in program development, process improvement, fundraising, leadership development, advocacy, and community organizing. He has held leadership roles at Baltimore's Promise, the Baltimore City Health Department, Elev8 Baltimore, Child First Authority at Westside Elementary, and the Y of Central Maryland.
A proud West Baltimore native residing in the Edmondson Village community, Mr. Simmons has been a tireless community engagement and education champion. His leadership as the former Chair of the Parent and Community Advisory Board (PCAB) for Baltimore City Public Schools deepened his commitment to strengthening family-school partnerships and ensuring equitable access to quality education.
Mr. Simmons is recognized nationally for his leadership as a 2018 JHU Bunting Fellow, a BMe Vanguard, and a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation IRL Fellow. He is widely respected for his ability to bridge gaps across often siloed initiatives, build cross-sector partnerships, and hold institutions accountable to the communities they serve.
"I'm confident that Larry will bring to the School Board exactly what he's brought to every organization he's worked for: leadership, knowledge, and dedication," said Mayor Scott. "He knows that the future of our city depends on the success of our young people- and that starts with a good education. I'm grateful to have him on our team as we work to build a stronger, more successful school system in Baltimore."
In 2020, Mr. Simmons started consulting with the aim of supporting the growth and sustainability of BIPOC-led organizations. Currently, he serves as Co-Primary Investigator and Director of Community Engagement for the Nobody Asked Me Campaign and Research Team, amplifying the lived experiences of Baltimore's youth and families. Additionally, he is Chair of the Board of Directors for the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund, co-chair of the Boards for Wide Angle Youth Media and New Song Academy, a board member of the United Way of Central Maryland, and a Senior Fellow at Attendance Works.
Mr. Simmons' influence extends beyond boardrooms as a steadfast advocate, connector, and problem solver. He remains deeply engaged in Baltimore's neighborhoods, working to improve the city's health, wellness, and economic vibrancy. He firmly believes that Baltimore's future depends on the success of its children and remains committed to ensuring they receive the education and opportunities they deserve.
"Education is the gateway to opportunity, and every young person in Baltimore deserves a school system that recognizes their brilliance, supports their growth, and prepares them for success," said Larry Carlton Simmons, Jr. "When we invest in our kids, truly listen to them, and hold ourselves accountable, we create a future where they can thrive- and that's a future worth fighting for."
The School Board is responsible for raising the level of academic achievement of the more than 75,000 students enrolled in Baltimore City Public Schools, and for improving the management and administration of the city's public-school system. The Mayor appoints commissioners from candidate pools recommended by a community panel, the final step in a larger application process led by the Mayor's Office of Children & Family Success.
Applications to fill one vacancy on the Board of School Commissioners will open on March 25, 2025, and will remain open until April 30, 2025. Please visit https://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/bc/boards/board-school-commissioners to apply.
To view the City of Baltimore's press release, please click here.