Book Description
Recent reforms in Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) appear to be gaining traction and producing welcome improvements in student achievement and success. Enrollment has increased, educators are replacing unsuccessful programs with innovative ones, and new resources and organizational partnerships are being brought into the system. Despite the gains being made, many of Baltimore City's school facilities are inadequate to support the demands of a 21st century curriculum. Decades of inadequate funding have led to the deficient conditions seen in city school buildings, and numerous studies show that school buildings in poor physical condition negatively impact student academic achievement. The condition of school buildings must be of utmost concern to ensure a high quality education for students and for the well-being of the city as a whole. This report offers recommendations intended to provide both governmental leaders and the greater Baltimore communities with a path toward feasibly financing the modernization of all of Baltimore's public school buildings. [Also included in this report is a brief paper on Dr. Laura Spada, who set a ten-year goal of finding 250 jobs a year for "Learn to Earn" program trainees, and putting $47,500,000 into supporting famiilies and neighborhoods.].
