Policy Under Review

Board Policy IGE outlines how City Schools defines, implements, and reviews curriculum. City Schools is proposing revisions to Board Policy IGE to ensure alignment with current practices and operating updates, reflect changes in state law and regulations, signal its commitment to content areas, and standardize communication methods about curriculum for students and parents/guardians.

• Adding a section about City Schools’ commitment to and instruction in fine arts

• Updating terminology to align with state law and MSDE guidance

• Changing the timeline for curriculum review to align with the approach taken by other Maryland districts

• Aligning language with the Curriculum Management Plan to streamline existing documents

• Adding language about the development and approval of all courses, including new and elective courses

• Adding language that signals City Schools’ commitment to content areas, highlights the content standards that are addressed in instruction, and identifies opportunities for integration of standards across content areas

• Updating definitions of “curriculum guide” and “program of study” to better explain what documents are available to the public, as required by state law

• Confirming City Schools’ approach to sensitive issues in the classroom and the use of civil discourse

• Explaining City Schools’ process for responding to concerns raised by a student or parent/guardian regarding lessons or instructional materials 

November 24, 2025 — Policy committee meeting

March 3, 2026 — First Reader

May 19, 2026— Second Reader

This policy ensures that students gain the skills and knowledge needed to advance to the next grade through strong instruction, appropriate supports, and clear standards. It establishes defined criteria for promotion and retention, recognizing the impact of these decisions on student learning, and aims to reduce grade retention through effective teaching and consistent decision-making. The policy also ensures that course placement supports student engagement, graduation, and college and career readiness. In addition, it clearly outlines graduation requirements, including credits, assessments, enrollment expectations, and service learning, while emphasizing the importance of regular, transparent communication with families about student progress and graduation pathways.

• Align with MSDE changes for ELA & Math.

• A full review of Board Policies IKEA and IKEB was planned when City Schools made limited revisions to Administrative Regulations IKEA-RA and IKEB-RA last school year.

• Revisions are focused on updating terminology, reflecting current City Schools practices, and aligning with MSDE changes.

February 24, 2026—Policy Committee​

March 3, 2026—First Reader​

April 21, 2026—Second Reader ​

This policy clarifies which temporary employees are eligible for sick and safe leave, as well as other benefits required by state and federal law. It expands the list of temporary roles that are not subject to the 90-workday limit, including rehired retirees, employees working fewer than 10 hours per week, and those assigned to special projects. The policy also adds clear definitions for “Employee,” “Negotiated Agreement,” and “Position” to ensure alignment with other Board policies.

• Change the term “regular city schools employment” to “permanent position” for additional clarity. Permanent positions are only permanent for the school year and may be subject to grant funding or other budgetary/operational limitations.

• Highlight that procedures regarding substitute teachers are addressed in Board Policy GBN (Employment Cycle and Staffing Actions)

February 24, 2026—Policy Committee 

March 17, 2026—First Reader

May 5, 2026—Second Reader 

This policy prohibits criminal gang-related activity on school property and establishes clear requirements for reporting and investigating such incidents. It also addresses the confidentiality of records related to criminal gang activity and outlines how schools identify, support, and provide services to students who are suspected of involvement.

• Updated investigation language to reflect the requirement of recording investigation in the City Schools Incident Reporting Workflow and cross-referenced Administrative Regulation EBBB-RA. Updated reporting and investigation language to align with City Schools’ All Staff Training

• “Reports must be submitted in writing, using the JICF-RA Form, to both the school principal and School Police within 48 hours after the employee learns about or observes the incident.

February 24, 2026—Policy Committee 

March 17, 2026—First Reader 

May 19, 2026—Second Reader

This policy is designed to ensure that all students have access to stable, safe, and effective learning environments across City Schools, while also promoting equitable access to schools and programs for every student. It clearly outlines how and when students may transfer from one school to another, as well as the conditions under which those transfers may be approved. In addition, the policy affirms the Board’s commitment to providing high-quality, safe transportation services for eligible students and defines the scope of the Board’s responsibility for student safety during travel to and from school.

• Clarified which central enrollment offices can approve transfers and make student assignments.

• Updated how schools and central offices verify and update documentation.

• Revised requirements for safety and administrative transfer requests.

• Established a designated summer transfer window.

• Clarified that assignments may be paused due to safety, climate, or staffing concerns.

• Reorganized transfer categories to better reflect how they are initiated and granted.

• Clarified that transportation is generally not provided for transfer students unless otherwise eligible.

• Updated the appeals process for school assignments and transfer decisions.

• Added guidance on when parent/guardian conduct may result in an administrative transfer.

• Clarified considerations for IEP and Section 504 teams when determining transportation needs.

• Confirmed all students can ride the MTA for free, with ID required for students 13 and up.

March 24, 2026— Policy Committee​

May 5, 2026—First Reader​

July 21, 2026—Second Reader ​