State law provides that the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, with the advice of the CEO, determines the district's educational, management, maintenance, and operational policies. Policies are aligned with the Board's mission and goals, as well as with applicable federal and state laws. Administrative regulations guide how policies are implemented. Adopted policies are available on BoardDocs, the Board's governance website.

Policy Development Process

Policy development is a step-by-step process designed to be comprehensive, consistent, and open:

Policy language is drafted and revised by staff with stakeholder input.
Proposed policy language is presented to the Board's Policy Committee.
Public comment is accepted for 30 days after the presentation, with staff members compiling a list of issues raised.
1st reader: Policy language is presented to the Board of School Commissioners, along with recommendations from the Policy Committee and a summary of the public comment received.
A public forum or work session may be held to discuss the policy language.
2nd reader: Policy language is presented to the Board of School Commissioners, along with recommendations from the Board.
The Board votes on the policy.

How Board Of School Commissioners Develops Policies

(Note that the Board may alter or suspend these procedures with a majority vote)

Providing Feedback on Board Policy

Public feedback plays a crucial role in the Policy Development Process. It allows the district to make effective and well-informed decisions while remaining accountable for the concerns shared by our students, staff, families, and communities. As a valued stakeholder, City Schools needs your feedback on the Board policies currently under revision. Using the Board Policy Feedback Form, you can directly share your thoughts on policies that affect you.

Policy Under Review	Purpose of Policy	Proposed Changes	Timeline for Policy Development
KCB - Volunteers	This Policy supports and guides the engagement of volunteers in our school communities.	Update the purpose to provide a more comprehensive overview of the purpose of volunteers. Update various definitions and implementation strategies to ensure more supports for volunteer engagement. Align with other Board policies and regulations.	April 16, 2024 - Policy Committee June 11, 2024 – Board Meeting – First Reader July 23, 2024 – Board Meeting – Second Reader
JFBB – Students in State-Supervised Care	The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners (“Board”) is committed to ensuring that all children and youth have equal access to educational programs and school-related activities. To that end, the Board seeks to eliminate all barriers to the enrollment of children and youth who are in State-supervised care in Baltimore City. B. The Board is also committed to having staff identify and assist all children and youth in State-supervised care and enrolled in Baltimore City Public Schools (“City Schools”) in maintaining a stable educational environment as part of a school regular academic program.	Highlight the role of the Foster Care Liaison. Incorporate City Schools protocols for best interest determinations for students in State-supervised care, consistent with MSDE guidelines. Clarify the role of the Office of Enrollment, Choice, and Transfer and the Office of Health and Specialized Student Services in the support of students in State-supervised care. Align the policy and administrative regulation with our MOU with DHS and add a section of transportation of students in State-supervised care.	May 21, 2024 – Policy Committee Meeting Fall 2024* – First and Second Reader

Policy Under Review

Purpose of Policy

Proposed Changes

Timeline for Policy Development

KCB - Volunteers

This Policy supports and guides the engagement of volunteers in our school communities.

Update the purpose to provide a more comprehensive overview of the purpose of volunteers.
Update various definitions and implementation strategies to ensure more supports for volunteer engagement.
Align with other Board policies and regulations.

April 16, 2024 - Policy Committee

June 11, 2024 – Board Meeting – First Reader

July 23, 2024 – Board Meeting – Second Reader

JFBB – Students in State-Supervised Care

The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners (“Board”) is committed to ensuring that all children and youth have equal access to educational programs and school-related activities. To that end, the Board seeks to eliminate all barriers to the enrollment of children and youth who are in State-supervised care in Baltimore City.

B. The Board is also committed to having staff identify and assist all children and youth in State-supervised care and enrolled in Baltimore City Public Schools (“City Schools”) in maintaining a stable educational environment as part of a school regular academic program.

Highlight the role of the Foster Care Liaison.

Incorporate City Schools protocols for best interest determinations for students in State-supervised care, consistent with MSDE guidelines.

Clarify the role of the Office of Enrollment, Choice, and Transfer and the Office of Health and Specialized Student Services in the support of students in State-supervised care.

Align the policy and administrative regulation with our MOU with DHS and add a section of transportation of students in State-supervised care.

May 21, 2024 – Policy Committee Meeting

Fall 2024* – First and Second Reader

*SY 24-25 Policy Committee Calendar is still under review for approval.

Board Policy Feedback Form

Visit BoardDocs

Policies and Administrative Regulations

Policy Development Calendar