Better Schools

Our children are our future. Our schools continue to improve year after year.  But there is still much work to be done, and together we will continue our successful fight to help our children by improving Baltimore’s schools.

Our Results:

Improving City Schools. Mayor Rawlings-Blake has fully supported and worked with Dr. Alonso and the School Board’s efforts to transform public education in Baltimore. Our teachers, parents and students have made nation-leading progress reforming the school system to improve academic achievement. African American males are now a driving force in the improving high school graduation rate. Elementary and middle school test scores have improved since 2007 under Dr. Alonso's leadership. Zoned schools have improved while failing schools have been closed. Dozens of new charter and transformational schools are up and running. And, for the first time in decades, enrollment in our public school system has increased two years in a row.

Maintained Services that Support Students. Despite two years of budget deficits totaling $186 million, Mayor Rawlings-Blake has:

• Fully funded the City’s obligation to the school system and effective after-school programs;


• Restored funding for advanced school-based health centers to keep students healthy and in the classroom
   
• Maintained funding for our world-class library system to promote lifelong learning;
   
• Doubled Baltimore’s investment in Teach for America to attract the best and brightest new teachers and maintained our funding to the Experience Corps program to increase volunteers in City schools.

Championing Education Reform. Mayor supported the new contract for Baltimore City teachers, which will increase starting pay. Baltimore will be one of the only jurisdictions with pay increases based on performance. Since the new contract was approved, new teacher applications for next year have doubled.

Our Future:

Innovation in Education. Mayor Rawlings-Blake is committed to investing in innovative programs that support the Baltimore City Public Schools’ goals to improve academic achievement. She has doubled educational grants to programs like Teach for America, which is proven to promote student achievement. Mayor Rawlings-Blake will continue to advocate for the approval of new specialized charter schools to give parents and students more choices and educational opportunities.

School Construction. Baltimore has some of the oldest school buildings in Maryland. Mayor Rawlings-Blake will continue fighting in Annapolis for more state funding for school construction and renovation.  Under her leadership, the City will explore new financing methods to increase investment and incorporate new schools as part of larger neighborhood redevelopment plans.   Mayor Rawlings-Blake will support the approval of new specialized charter schools to give parents and students more choices and educational opportunities.

Better Youth Program Coordination. Mayor Rawlings-Blake will focus on improved coordination of youth programs to empower Baltimore’s youth. The Mayor's Youth cabinet and “Youth BMore” initiative will ensure all City, State and nonprofit youth-focused agencies are working in concert to maximize learning Baltimore City youth.