Mayor Scott Launches Search to Fill Two New School Board Openings

BALTIMORE, MD. (Monday, April 4, 2022) — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott launched the search to fill two vacancies on the Board of School Commissioners created by the departures of outgoing Board Chair Linda Chinnia and Commissioner Michelle Harris Bondima, both have served the City of Baltimore for more than five years. 

“I am extremely grateful for the dedicated service of Commissioners Chinnia and Bondima. The School Board leads our critical work as a city to ensure all our children have access to an excellent education. There really is no more significant role when it comes to supporting our young people,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “I thank them for their relentless devotion and steadfast leadership. I look forward to identifying new commissioners in the coming weeks and partnering with the School Board to move our public education system forward.”

The Board of School Commissioners is responsible for both raising the level of academic achievement of the 78,000 students enrolled in Baltimore City Public Schools, and for improving the management and administration of the public school system. Mayor Scott’s appointment of new School Board commissioners is key to realizing his commitment to strengthen the City’s partnership with City Schools and prioritize Baltimore’s young people by investing in their future.

The search for two new commissioners opens today with the launch of an online application. The recruitment and application window runs through Friday, May 6th, at which point an application review by the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success begins, followed by interviews with a community panel that will make recommendations for mayoral consideration and selection. The Mayor then interviews the candidates recommended for consideration by the community panel and makes his appointment decision(s).

To be eligible for appointment, candidates must be residents of Baltimore City and at least 18 years of age. Additionally, one or more of the following qualifications is preferred, especially number 1 as we are currently looking to fill a management vacancy on the board:

1. Knowledge of and expertise in administering a large business, nonprofit or government entity, and high-level management experience within such an entity
2. Knowledge of and expertise in education
3. Knowledge of, or personal or professional experience in, education of children with disabilities
4. Parent of a child currently enrolled in City Schools

Other desired criteria candidates should consider highlighting in their application if/when relevant: 

• Commitment to Equity 
• Courageous leadership (e.g. puts interest of students first; appreciation for public accountability)
• Collaborative, willingness to embrace diverse perspectives 
• Experience building partnerships and/or community engagement
• Commitment to and/or knowledge of Baltimore City Public Schools
• Collaborative, willingness to embrace diverse perspectives 
• Courageous leadership (e.g. puts interest of students first; appreciate for public accountability)
• Experience with fiscal complexities and organizational oversight
• Attended Baltimore City Public Schools
• Has previous board experience and/or board training (student government or leadership associations count)
• Brings a unique perspective to the school board

The Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success will hold a Board of School Commissioners Information Session on Tuesday, April 12th from 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM for those who are interested in learning more about the commissioner role and expectations, and to hear from current commissioners about their experiences on the Board of Commissioners. (Teams link here: bit.ly/schoolboardinfo​​)

School Board members are expected to attend regular public meetings of the School Board on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, as well as committee meetings several times each month, often during normal business hours. Commissioners are appointed for three-year terms of office and receive no financial compensation for their service.

Qualified candidates should apply online at mayor.baltimorecity.gov/board-of-school-commissioners before the deadline of Friday, May 6, 2022.