Dear Baltimore City Public Schools Community,
Since officially becoming CEO of City Schools a little over a month ago, I have had the privilege of listening, learning, and connecting with students, families, educators, staff, and community members across Baltimore. Every conversation has reinforced what I already believed: this is an extraordinary city filled with extraordinary people.
I continue to be inspired by the passion of our educators, the resilience and brilliance of our students, the unwavering commitment of our families, and the countless community partners who care deeply about the future of Baltimore’s children. Everywhere I go, I discover new examples of the vibrancy, pride, and possibility that define City Schools.
I am excited to share that we have already launched our 100 Days Listening Tour. The first two community conversations were held at Forest Park High School on July 28 and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute on August 6. I am grateful to the 393 students, families, staff, community members, and partners who have joined us so far to share their hopes, experiences, and ideas for our schools. Your voices are already helping shape our path forward.
As part of my promise to be transparent, I want to share the community's preliminary feedback. A few themes are already coming through clearly, even this early in the process. However, we still have six more community sessions to go, and I intend to keep listening with an open mind before we settle on next steps as part of our 100-Day Entry Plan.
What You Are Telling Us Is Working
Programs that connect students to careers and college — dual enrollment, technical education, and hands-on coaching support — are making a real difference and should continue.
Clubs, sports, and the arts give students a reason to want to be at school and a place to belong.
Counselors, social workers, and other support staff are trusted, valued resources for students and families.
Community partnerships and school-based coordinators are helping connect families to the resources they need.
Recent changes — like the cell phone policy and improved building safety measures — are being noticed and appreciated.
So many of you spoke up for your teachers and staff, whose commitment to students came through again and again.
What You Are Telling Us Needs Attention
Classroom instruction sometimes moves at a pace that does not leave room for teachers to meet every student where they are.
Getting to and from school safely — whether by bus or public transportation — is a real concern for many families.
Families want more clarity and fairness in how choice schools and neighborhood schools are resourced.
Students with disabilities and students learning English need more consistent support.
Some of our basic operations — like paying staff on time and responding to families and schools promptly — are not working the way they should.
I invite you to join us at our next session on Thursday, August 27, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Bay-Brook Elementary/Middle School (Cafeteria), 4301 10th Street. To register for any of the remaining sessions, please visit https://baltcityschools.org/100DaysListeningTour.
If you are unable to attend a listening session, I still want to hear from you. You do not have to wait to share your thoughts. Please take a few minutes to complete our community survey here.
Thank you for the warm welcome you have extended to me. While there is important work ahead, I am more optimistic than ever about what we can accomplish together. By listening to one another, building on our strengths, and keeping students at the center of every decision, I know we will create even greater opportunities for every child.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to continuing to connect with our community, discover what is possible together, and deliver on the promise that every student graduates career ready, future ready, and world ready.
With gratitude,
Dr. Jermaine Dawson, CEO
Baltimore City Public Schools
Full 30 Days Community Update available here (pdf)
Full 30 Days Community Update in Spanish available here (pdf)