Commentary on the BCPSS School Board

On February 27, 2007, I attended my first BCPSS School Board Meeting. Upon arriving at 6:00 pm I was surprised to find no vacant seats and a group of over forty people assembling outside the conference room to watch the proceedings on a small television screen. The reason for the abnormally large turnout was that the board was scheduled to decide whether or not to close several middle schools (including Lombard, Canton, and Hamilton), and whether or not to consolidate other schools (including Augusta Fells Savage and Harlem Park). Not surprisingly, parents, students, teachers, and concerned community members showed up in droves to voice opposition.

Prior to attending this meeting, my opinion of the BCPSS School Board was rather unenthusiastic. I, like many people who are frustrated with city schools, tended to blame the board for many of the problems that plague our beloved schools. Specifically, I echoed popular sentiments questioning how the board could possibly consider closing and consolidating schools when large class sizes are at the heart of many of our school’s problems.

Attending this meeting changed my opinion of the board. Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not suggesting that the board is flawless and should be without criticism or blame. All I’m saying is that the board is not the evil empire it is often portrayed to be and it should not be made the scapegoat for all of the problems in city schools. Watching the meeting gave me a much greater appreciation for the daunting challenges the board is up against and watching individual members respond to harsh public criticism with respect, humility, and sincerity gave me a much greater sense of respect for the board’s efforts. The fact that the board is made up of volunteers only deepens my admiration for its difficult, often thankless, work.

Although the public should continue to keep a close eye on the school board and offer feedback when appropriate, every one of us involved in the success and failure of Baltimore City schools should share the burden of turning our floundering system around. Pointing fingers without sharing the blame and responsibility will only perpetuate the problems.

Please read the minutes from the aforementioned school board meeting at: http://www.bcps.k12.md.us/School_Board/index.asp