The Baltimore Rapport

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During the 2008-2009 school year, a Patterson High School student came to school with a chemical bomb that exploded in the student’s locker.  Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the action set in motion a new policy for the Baltimore City Public Schools (”City Schools”).  Dr. Andres Alonso, City Schools CEO, enacted an administrative policy that set forth conditions for a student’s permanent expulsion from the City Schools (full exclusion for students above the age of 16, and stringent criteria for re-entrance for students under the age of 16).  Students who were found to have committed a serious offense that put the lives of other individuals in the building at risk (i.e. fire, bomb, explosive device, etc.) would receive severe consequences for engaging in such behavior.

The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners recently has sought to clarify the new policy.  During the September 22nd School Board meeting, the Board heard the first reader of the policy that would codify the process for permanent expulsion (see the Board presentation above).  As the Sun’s education blog indicates, the issue seems to have divided the Board – some Commissioners feeling that permanent expulsion is too serious a consequence, while others feel that permanent expulsion is necessary to reduce serious offenses and maintain safe school environments.

As a result of this controversial debate looming as the policy seeks a final adoption vote in late October, The Rapport’s hosts discuss implications that the policy may have on the City Schools’ students.  More importantly, The Rapport is interested in engaging listeners – what do you think?  Does this policy make sense, is it too harsh, not harsh enough?  Take the poll below to give us your opinion.  Let us know your full thoughts in the comments below.  And, most importantly, consider sending your thoughts to the decision-makers by emailing the School Board (policyreview@bcps.k12.md.us)!  We genuinely look forward to your comments, especially all you teachers out there!

UPDATE: Quick clarification on the content of the podcast.  As a co-host, I (Bill Ferguson) made a bit of a gross generalization about those who support/oppose the expulsion policy.  As several wise listeners pointed out, there are a large number of classroom teachers (or staff members in buildings on a day-to-day basis) that do not support the expulsion policy.  Many of these incredible folks want to see a tiered level of targeted interventions for students who are found to have committed these dangerous acts in schools.  Additionally, many of these troubled students likely missed out on a number of support programs or interventions that  may have prevented these students from committing these acts in the first place.  As the schools exist to serve a public, universal purpose to educate, folks against the policy (who are very often working within schools on an everyday basis), believe that the consequence of permanent expulsion may inhibit the very foundations of the public school mission.  My generalization about the characteristics of those individuals opposing the policy was a quick remark made without much consideration – an effort to stimulate debate.  I certainly apologize if I offended anyone!  Regardless, I hope our listeners think about the policy and send comments to the School Board – in support OR in opposition.  As we say on The Rapport – effective policymaking requires informed debate amongst stakeholders.  We hope you take action and let your voices be heard!

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