Policy Under Review

The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners oversees educational matters in Baltimore City and is committed to advancing student achievement, equity, transparency, shared accountability, and community engagement. The Board will operate with mutual respect and civility, ensuring that actions of the Board members, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), staff, and the community reflect these values.

1. Implementing an annual CEO’s evaluation, to include:

Performance Goals that include, but not be limited to: measurement of systemwide academic and financial performance.

360 Leadership Survey of Board members, the CEO’s direct reports, and the CEO as a self-assessment.

Community Feedback from stakeholders, including students, families, staff, school leaders, and community members.

1. Adding language to the CEO's contract requiring the CEO and Board to jointly set annual performance goals that serve as the foundation for the CEO’s evaluation, and align with the policy BBA.

2. Establishing a timeline that aligns the evaluation period with the fiscal year, from July 1 through June 30, and requires evaluations to be completed by December 31 to allow time for data review.

3. Clarifying responsibilities by assigning the Board Chair or designee to manage the evaluation process and ensuring all Board members participate and have their feedback equally considered.

4. Requiring a mid-year check-in between the Board and CEO to review progress, share feedback, and discuss any support needed to meet annual goals.

May 26, 2026—Policy Committee

July 7, 2026— First Reader

July 21. 2026— Second Reader

This policy affirms the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners' authority to establish standing or ad hoc committees to support its responsibilities and decision-making, and outlines the requirements for committee creation, membership, and operations.

Add Strategic Planning to the list of standing committees

May 26, 2026— Policy Committee

July 21, 2026— First Reader

September 2, 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.

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

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

3. Revised requirements for safety and administrative transfer requests.

4. Established a designated summer transfer window.

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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 ​

• 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 ​

1. Updated definitions (abuse, neglect, mental injury, sexual abuse, human trafficking) to align with Maryland law and COMAR

2. Revised reporting information, including new statewide phone number and expanded email reporting options

3. Clarified step-by-step reporting process: oral report to CPS, notify supervisor/principal, submit written report

4. Updated child abuse reporting form and aligned with all-staff training

5. Reinforced consequences for knowingly failing to report

6. Added guidance on human trafficking awareness and response

7. Clarified that staff, contractors, and volunteers must not investigate or interfere with investigations

8. Updated terminology to align with Board policies; added definitions for contractor and volunteer

9. Noted that poverty or food insecurity alone does not constitute neglect

10. 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