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.
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
The Board is committed to maintaining rigorous performance and achievement standards for all students and providing a fair process for evaluating and reporting student progress that is understandable to students and their parents/guardians and relevant for instructional purposes. | 1. Continue to update our policy with best practices in grading 2. Provide continued guidance for frequently encountered circumstances 3. Reaffirm school autonomy bounded by common standards | Policy Committee Framing Conversation - December 19, 2023 Policy Committee Meeting - February 20, 2024 Board Meeting [1st reader] - April 23, 2024 Board Meeting [2nd reader] - May 28, 2024 | |
JLCDB – Anaphylaxis: Identification and Treatment in Schools. | Provide greater clarity to schools & families on anaphylactic allergy management and align policies/ regulations with:
| 1. Streamline guidelines for nursing assessments and Anaphylactic Allergy Action Plans (“AAAPs”), as well as Section 504 plans, if appropriate, for students with anaphylactic allergies 2. Develop proactive schoolwide and classroom management protocols 3. Clarify staff training requirements | March 19, 2024 – Policy Committee May 15, 2024 Board Meeting – First Reader June 11, 2024 Board Meeting– Second Reader |
KCB - Volunteers | This Policy supports and guides the engagement of volunteers in our school communities. |
| April 16, 2024 - Policy Committee June 11, 2024 – Board Meeting – First Reader July 23, 2024 – Board Meeting – Second Reader |