Below is a message from Robert Salley, Board Chair for the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, and CEO Dr. Jermaine Dawson to the Baltimore City Public Schools community.
Dear City Schools community,
Today is more than the first day of a new school year. It is a new beginning for each of our students, and for all of us who have the privilege of serving them. Across our district, our schools will once again be filled with the energy, excitement, and possibility that make this day so special.
As I begin my first year as CEO of City Schools, I am honored to begin this journey with you. I am grateful to be joined in this work by City Schools Board Chair Robert Salley, whose partnership and commitment to our students, families, educators, and staff play an important part in the year ahead.
The strength of our schools is built every day by you: teachers who inspire, staff members who care, families who support their children, and, most importantly, students who arrive ready to learn, grow, and discover who they can become beginning on day one and throughout the school year.
Together, we have much to celebrate, while understanding there is important work ahead. We are committed to listening, learning, and working alongside you to strengthen our schools and create greater opportunities for every student. The Board shares that commitment. This work begins today, and it will take all of us, working together, throughout the year.
Along with the countless moments of achievement, discovery, friendship, growth, and joy, there will be challenges. We will face them together, knowing that strong schools depend on strong communication. Next month, we will launch a new, easy-to-use service platform that connects families and community members directly with their schools and the district.
The Board and central office will collaborate to ensure we are on track to achieve the outcomes our students and families expect and that our policies enhance the conditions for student outcomes.
Listening will continue to be an important part of how the district moves forward. The Listening Tour sessions are underway, and we hope you will join us. These conversations are an opportunity for us to hear directly from students, families, educators, staff, and community members about what is working, what needs to improve, and what is possible for our schools.
Please register for one of the Listening Tour events by clicking this link. If you are unable to attend a tour stop, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete our community survey by clicking this link.
Let's work together to make this a great school year. The district is fully committed to delivering on the promise that every student graduates career ready, future ready, and world ready.
With gratitude, excitement, and partnership,
Robert Salley and Dr. Jermaine Dawson
To watch the video in Spanish, click here.