Teacher giving class

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:

  1. Policy language is drafted and revised by staff with stakeholder input.

  2. Proposed policy language is presented to the Board's Policy Committee.

  3. Public comment is accepted for 30 days after the presentation, with staff members compiling a list of issues raised.

  4. 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.

  5. A public forum or work session may be held to discuss the policy language.

  6. 2nd reader: Policy language is presented to the Board of School Commissioners, along with recommendations from the Board.

  7. 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

Updates to the School Police General Orders

To create and maintain safe learning environments. We accomplish this by developing positive relationships and delivering high-quality professional police services with equity and impartiality.

Administrative Regulation ECAE-RA provides: 

  • School Police will adhere to the General Orders as approved by the Board 

  • General Orders are reviewed on a biannual basis with feedback from stakeholders 

  • 2025 General Orders review resulted in prioritized updates to 12 of the General Orders:

10-4 – Organizational Structure
10-5 – Command Supervision & Direction
10-12 – Departmental Vehicles
10-39 – Nepotism and Fraternization
10-41 – Secondary Employment
10-43 – Vacation, Personal, and Holiday Leave
10-44 – Medical 
10-53 – Light Duty
10-56 – Overtime
13-4 – Internal Investigations
13-17 – Search & Seizure (focusing on wellness checks)
18-01 – Community Relations

February 18, 2025 – Policy Committee Meeting 

May 13, 2025 – First Reader 

July 22, 2025 – Second Reader

JFE – Homeless Students - Identification, Enrollment, Services, and Dispute Resolution Administrative Regulation

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 experiencing homelessness and eligible to attend public schools in Baltimore City to ensure that they have an opportunity to meet the same challenging State student achievement standards to which all students are held.

 The Board is also committed to having staff identify and assist all homeless children and youth enrolled in Baltimore City Public Schools (“City Schools”) in maintaining a stable educational environment as part of a regular academic program that is not separate or segregated.

The Board is committed to ensuring minimal interference with the regular delivery of instruction while students transition in or out of their school of origin.

  • Cross-referencing relevant policies regarding attendance, graduation, transportation, enrollment, etc.

  • Confirming alignment with internal guidance about the Best Interest Determination and Homeless Status Review.

  • Highlighting how City Schools supports students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth.

  • Changing homeless students to “students experiencing homelessness,” “unhoused students,” and “unaccompanied youth.”

  • Replacing Homeless Education Liaison with McKinney-Vento Liaison.

  • Adding language about waiving outstanding fines or fees for students experiencing homelessness.

  • Clarifying how students experiencing homelessness are supported through the school choice process.

 

March 18, 2025 – Policy Committee Meeting

May 27, 2025 – First Reader

July 22, 2025– Second Reader

KIA - Visitors to Schools 

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for the development of school visitation procedures that will assure a successful school visit or observation and an effective and safe learning environment.

  • Include additional information and expectations for visitors utilizing our weapons detection system in high schools.

  • Provide additional clarity around when classroom observations and visits are appropriate and the recording of Individualized Education Program (“IEP”) and Section 504 meetings.

  • Address concerns about animals on City Schools property.

  • Alignment with Board Policies EBBB (Incident Reporting) and JIH (Administrative Searches and/or Seizures).

May 20, 2025  – Policy Committee Meeting

July 22, 2025 – First Reader

September 9, 2025 – Second Reader

Board Policy Feedback Form

Feedback from Board Engagement Events

The Board of School Commissioners thanks you for participating in its community engagement events. Your attendance ensures that Baltimore City Public Schools reflect the wants and needs of all stakeholders. To continue the conversation and help spread awareness of the Board's work, the Board has compiled a list of questions and answers from recent events. For additional inquiries, please contact the Board Office.

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Policies and Administrative Regulations
Policy Development Calendar