By Walter Fields Do our boys really matter? That is the question I have pondered since learning that Baltimore City Public Schools is threatening to not renew the charter of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys (BCSB). This school is the only all-male, public school of its kind in Maryland, and provides a safe and nurturing […]
Tag: Baltimore City Public Schools
Posted inUncategorized
First public hearing held regarding the future of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys
Parents, students and community members rallied at a Dec. 11 public hearing to urge Baltimore City Schools officials to keep Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys open, citing the school’s role in academic growth, mentorship and emotional support for Black boys. District leaders have recommended closure due to low test scores, enrollment shortfalls and financial issues, but families argue the all-boys public charter school is breaking cycles of trauma and incarceration while giving students a chance to thrive.
Posted inBaltimore News
AFRO exclusive: LTYC founder responds to teacher lawsuit, cites delayed payments and funding challenges
Dermell Brunson, founder of Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center, is speaking publicly for the first time since former Baltimore City teachers sued his nonprofit and the school district over unpaid wages. Brunson said delayed payments from City Schools and other partners—compounded by outdated systems, tighter banking requirements for Black-led nonprofits, and post-COVID funding challenges—have created financial strain, though he stressed LTYC has acted in good faith.
Posted inEducation
City Schools CEO named the superintendent-in-residence at The Broad Center at Yale School of Management
Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises has been named superintendent-in-residence at The Broad Center at Yale School of Management, where she will mentor, teach and support education leaders nationwide while continuing to lead City Schools. Her appointment recognizes her years of leadership and commitment to transforming urban education.
Posted inEducation
How Baltimore schools support students living with sickle cell
Baltimore school nurse Mary Caudle is working to destigmatize sickle cell disease and ensure students receive individualized care plans, legal accommodations and classroom support so they can safely access education and thrive.
Posted inBaltimore News
YouthWorks: Offering career paths—not just paychecks
For over 50 years, Baltimore City’s YouthWorks program has provided thousands of city youth with paid summer jobs, offering critical skills, mentorship and career pathways. Now expanding into year-round internships and credentialed career tracks in fields like healthcare and clean energy, the program is evolving into a powerful pipeline for workforce development and long-term economic mobility.
Posted inBaltimore News
Roslyn Chandler Wood, devoted educator and community pillar, dies at 96
Roslyn Chandler Wood, a devoted educator, cultural advocate, and lifelong Baltimore resident, passed away on July 17 at age 96. Family, friends, and community members gathered July 24 to honor her legacy of service, excellence, and empowerment during a heartfelt celebration of life at St. James Episcopal Church.
Posted inOpinion
Opening doors through exposure
Cory V. McCray represents Maryland’s 45th Legislative District in the State Senate. This week he examines how a transformative dance partnership at Gardenville Elementary in Baltimore highlights how exposure, mentorship, and creative opportunity can reshape futures for students in underserved communities—just as an apprenticeship once did for the author.
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore City Public Schools sued after allegedly ignoring sexual assault of several students
Attorneys at Murphy, Falcon and Murphy have filed lawsuits against Baltimore City Public Schools, alleging that school officials knowingly failed to stop former teacher Alvin Hunt from sexually assaulting students over decades, marking the first cases filed under Maryland’s newly revised Child Victims Act.
Posted inBaltimore Government
State’s attorney Ivan Bates to host town hall on youth crime
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates (left) and Councilman Mark Conway (D-District 04) (right) will join city agencies and residents for the May 20 solutions pact town hall at Huber Memorial Church. The event will address juvenile crime, offer youth resources and connect families with summer programs and city services.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Baltimore City scholars receive full scholarships to McDaniel College
Earning a full-ride scholarship is more than a student achievement — it reflects the dedication of families who nurtured and guided them. For Baltimore City seniors Skye Hammond and Zoe Saunders, awarded full-tuition scholarships to McDaniel College, success came through hard work, family support and strong academic focus.
Posted inHBCU
Coppin State University to host 2025 Economic Inclusion Conference
Coppin State University’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship will host the 2025 Economic Inclusion Conference on April 30, focusing on youth economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and workforce readiness, in partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools and the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. Building on past successes and research, the event will feature workshops, a job fair, and cross-sector collaboration to equip over 800 students with the tools to create sustainable economic futures.