Baltimore is investing—now our children deserve the results
Despite Baltimore's high investment in public schools, student outcomes remain below average, indicating a need for greater accountability and transparency from the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. The post Baltimore is investing—now our children deserve the results appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
Black News 
By Dr. Kevin W. Parson
As someone who has worked inside urban school systems for over three
decades—and as a graduate of Morgan State University—I can say this plainly:
Baltimore is not short on investment in its public schools.
The city spends roughly $23,000 per student each year. Over the past decade, the system’s budget has grown by hundreds of millions of dollars. Leadership compensation has also reflected that scale, with executive packages reaching into the $400,000 range.
That level of investment signals commitment. But commitment must be measured by outcomes—and right now, the outcomes do not match the investment. On Maryland’s state assessment, only about 31 percent of students are reading on grade level, and roughly 12 percent are proficient in math. On the Nation’s Report Card, Baltimore students continue to perform below their peers in other major cities.
These are not just statistics. These are children whose futures are being shaped—right now—by the performance of a system that is not meeting its potential. This is not about blaming teachers or families. Educators are working. Families are engaged. The issue is whether the system itself is producing results at scale. And after a decade of stable leadership, we must be honest: stability without results is not success—it is stagnation.
During my recent discussion on the Larry Lancaster Show on WEAA 88.9 FM, I spoke directly about this reality. Baltimore has the resources. Baltimore has the talent. What Baltimore has lacked is consistent, system-wide outcomes that reflect both.
Leadership must now be measured by results—not by tenure, not by effort, and not by intention.
If we are investing at one of the highest levels per pupil, then we should expect to see measurable gains in reading proficiency, mathematics achievement, attendance, and postsecondary readiness. Anything less demands not explanation—but action. That responsibility does not rest with leadership alone.
The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners must move beyond passive governance. Approving budgets and extending contracts is not enough. The board must set clear benchmarks, demand mid-course corrections, and hold leadership accountable when results do not follow.
Without that, increased funding risks becoming disconnected from student achievement—and that is a disservice to the very communities the system is meant to serve.
Equally important is transparency.
Families and communities must not be excluded from decisions that shape the future of their children. When leadership selection and system direction occur without meaningful engagement, trust erodes. And without trust, even the best strategies will struggle to succeed.
Now, as new leadership comes in, the expectations must be clear from day one.
Baltimore does not need another cycle of promises. It needs measurable progress. Set the goals publicly. Report progress honestly. Change strategies when results fall short.
And ensure that improvement reaches every classroom—not just a select few.
Because Baltimore’s children cannot afford another decade of incremental gains that never fully close the gap.
They deserve to read on grade level. They deserve to succeed in mathematics. They deserve schools that prepare them for college, careers, and life. Baltimore is investing in that future.
And if we fail to demand results now, we will keep paying for a system that never fully delivers for our children.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.
The post Baltimore is investing—now our children deserve the results appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
