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
JFC/EEA—Intra-District Student Transfer & Student Transportation Services	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
JLF: Child Abuse and Neglect	Explain the requirements for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect Provide the procedures for making an oral and written report of suspected child abuse and neglect Establish procedures for questioning students on school property about alleged abuse or neglect, training requirements, and parental notification parameters	Updated definitions (abuse, neglect, mental injury, sexual abuse, human trafficking) to align with Maryland law and COMAR Revised reporting information, including new statewide phone number and expanded email reporting options Clarified step-by-step reporting process: oral report to CPS, notify supervisor/principal, submit written report Updated child abuse reporting form and aligned with all-staff training Reinforced consequences for knowingly failing to report Added guidance on human trafficking awareness and response Clarified that staff, contractors, and volunteers must not investigate or interfere with investigations Updated terminology to align with Board policies; added definitions for contractor and volunteer Noted that poverty or food insecurity alone does not constitute neglect Strengthened confidentiality requirements and confirmed policy applies to all schools, including charter and operator-led	April 28, 2026— Policy Committee June 2, 2026— First Reader August 18, 2026— Second Reader

Policy Under Review

Purpose of Policy

Proposed Changes

Timeline for Policy Development

JFC/EEA—Intra-District Student Transfer & Student Transportation Services

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

JLF: Child Abuse and Neglect

Explain the requirements for reporting
suspected child abuse and neglect
Provide the procedures for making an oral
and written report of suspected child
abuse and neglect
Establish procedures for questioning
students on school property about alleged
abuse or neglect, training requirements,
and parental notification parameters

Updated definitions (abuse, neglect, mental injury, sexual abuse, human trafficking) to align with Maryland law and COMAR
Revised reporting information, including new statewide phone number and expanded email reporting options
Clarified step-by-step reporting process: oral report to CPS, notify supervisor/principal, submit written report
Updated child abuse reporting form and aligned with all-staff training
Reinforced consequences for knowingly failing to report
Added guidance on human trafficking awareness and response
Clarified that staff, contractors, and volunteers must not investigate or interfere with investigations
Updated terminology to align with Board policies; added definitions for contractor and volunteer
Noted that poverty or food insecurity alone does not constitute neglect
Strengthened confidentiality requirements and confirmed policy applies to all schools, including charter and operator-led

April 28, 2026— Policy Committee

June 2, 2026— First Reader

August 18, 2026— Second Reader

Board Policy Feedback Form

Make your voice heard: Give feedback using the Student Input Submission Form

City Schools' students can use the Student Input Submission Form to share ideas, questions, or concerns related to school policies, leadership, events, and more. Submissions are reviewed weekly and shared with the Board of School Commissioners and Board Office.

To submit feedback, click here.

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.

Visit BoardDocs

Policies and Administrative Regulations

Policy Development Calendar

Policy Development Process

Providing Feedback on Board Policy

Make your voice heard: Give feedback using the Student Input Submission Form

Feedback from Board Engagement Events

Board Listening Sessions

Visit BoardDocs