* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Mitchell
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
The Baltimore City Charter School Board
FOR the purpose of requesting that the Baltimore City Senate and House Delegation ask the 2006 Session of the Maryland General Assembly to amend the current Charter School Legislation to allow the Baltimore City to create the Baltimore City Charter School Board.
Body
Recitals
The Maryland Public Charter School Act was passed in 2003. It identifies the 24 local boards of education as the primary chartering authorities in the State of Maryland. With identification of local boards of education as the primary chartering authority, the Maryland law places important responsibilities on local boards of education to ensure an environment that assists applicants in developing strong and effective public charter schools. Due to the "restructuring" of the Baltimore City Public School System, the Maryland State Board of Education has become the chartering authority for Baltimore City Schools.
There is a new vibrancy in Baltimore City, and one of the most important factors involved in bringing more people to the City is educational choice. When choosing a place to live, parents look for a place where they have the ability to be selective about their child's public education. The 10 new charter schools opening this year is a good start; however we can do more. Our children deserve every opportunity that we as lawmakers and legislators can offer them. Charter schools are the first step in revamping our local education system.
Despite the hard work and efforts of the State Board of Education, our educational system is still faltering. Baltimore City needs the educational resources that charter schools can provide. A local board for charter schools will be more in tune with the needs of the ever growing and ever changing Baltimore City community and will help provide more valued educational program for Baltimore City children now and in the future.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body requests that the Baltimore City Senate and House Delegation ask the 2006 Session of the Maryland General Assembly to amend the current Charter School Legislation to allow the Baltimore City Government to create The Baltimore City Charter School Board.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Baltimore City Senate Delegation, the Baltimore City House Delegation, the Maryland State Board of Education and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the Council.
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