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

• Make sure students gain the skills and knowledge needed to move to the next grade through strong teaching, support, and clear standards.

• Set clear steps for when students are promoted or retained, recognizing the impact on their learning.

• Reduce grade retention by using effective teaching and consistent decision-making.

• Ensure course placement supports student engagement, graduation, and college and career readiness.

• Clearly define graduation requirements, including credits, assessments, enrollment, and service learning.

• Emphasize regular, clear communication with families about graduation requirements and student progress.

• 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 ​

• Explain which temporary employees qualify for sick and safe leave and other required benefits.

• Expand the list of temporary roles not limited to 90 workdays, including rehired retirees, those working under 10 hours a week, and those on special projects.

• Add clear definitions for “Employee,” “Negotiated Agreement,” and “Position” to match 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 

• Prohibits criminal gang-related activity on school property.
    • Provides requirements for reporting and investigating criminal gang-related activity.

• Addresses the confidentiality of criminal gang-related records.

• Identifies, supports, and services for students suspected of participating in criminal gang-related activities

• 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