Baltimore County Public Schools

Engage. Empower. Excel.

June 23, 2023, Staff and Community Update: Summer Food Service Program to Provide Free Meals

Baltimore County Public Schools will offer free breakfast and lunch meals to youth 18 years of age and under through the Summer Food Service Program from Tuesday, June 20, through Friday, August 18. Meals will be served Monday through Friday, but meal sites will be closed on Tuesday, July 4. All meals must be consumed on site.

Full message / Spanish

June 14, 2023, Staff Update: New Organizational Chart and Realignment of Central Office

Dear Colleagues:

I am excited and ready to work in close partnership with all members of Team BCPS. I understand and appreciate the high level of trust that has been placed in me to lead this important work of increasing academic achievement and improving climate, morale, and operational efficiency.

Full message / Spanish

June 13, 2023, Staff and Community Update: End of Year Message from Superintendent Darryl Williams

Dear Team BCPS:

Happy last day of school! The end of a school year is a time for celebration, reflection, and planning. Today is bittersweet for me as it is my final last day of school as BCPS superintendent.

Full message / Spanish

June 7, 2023, Staff Update: BCPS to Provide Incentives to New Special Education Teachers and Teachers Who Commit to Work at Select High Needs Schools

Dear Team BCPS:

BCPS is committed to providing a world-class education for all students and recognizes that having the best educators in classrooms is vital for highly effective teaching and optimal learning.  As a system, we are utilizing strategic recruitment and retention efforts to attract a highly qualified and diverse workforce.  BCPS has identified select schools with high needs and will provide incentives for teachers who agree to teach in these schools.

Full message / Spanish

June 2, 2023, Community Update: BCPS Community Invited to Participate in Upcoming “Meet the Superintendent” Events

Dear Team BCPS:

The Members of the BCPS community are invited to participate in six upcoming community events to learn about and meet Dr. Myriam Yarbrough, the incoming superintendent. During the events, Dr. Yarbrough will share information about key priorities for the upcoming school year, hear from members of the Team BCPS community and answer questions. Dr. Yarbrough will begin her tenure as BCPS superintendent on July 1, 2023.

Full message / Spanish

April 26, 2023, Community Update: The Board of Education of Baltimore County, today, released the following update on the search for a new superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools:

Dear Team BCPS:

McPherson and Jacobson, LLC, the executive search firm coordinating efforts to find a new superintendent for Baltimore County Public Schools, received applications from 24 candidates. The applicants come from 15 states and are comprised of current superintendents, central office administrators, and other educational leaders.

Full message / Spanish

April 19, 2023, Community Update: 2022-2023 school year Calendar Update

Dear Team BCPS:

We want to provide you with an update on the last day of school for the 2022-2023 school year. BCPS did not use any of the five days that were built into the 2022-2023 school calendar for inclement weather. The last day of school for students and teachers will now be Tuesday, June 13, 2023, instead of June 21, 2023.

Full Message / Spanish

April 17 2023, Community Update: BCPS will adopt a systemwide Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) model for the 2023-2024 School Year

Dear Team BCPS,

We are pleased to provide an update on our plans for student meal service for the 2023-2024 school year. BCPS will adopt a systemwide Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) model for the 2023-2024 school year and will provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all students. BCPS families will no longer be required to complete meal applications to determine eligibility.  Healthy meals are a vital part of the learning process and students will have access to a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables, bento boxes and salads, and much more throughout the school year.

Full Message / Spanish

March 20, 2023, Community Update: Public Invited To Complete Survey and Attend Community Forums About Superintendent Search

Members of the Baltimore County Public Schools community are invited to participate in public forums regarding the national search for a new superintendent. The meetings will be hosted by McPherson and Jacobson LLC, the executive search firm selected by the Board of Education of Baltimore County. The forums will offer BCPS parents, caregivers, staff, students, and community members an opportunity to identify the educational priorities and leadership qualities they would like to see in the next superintendent. Members of the community also have an opportunity to share the characteristics and expertise they would like to see in the next superintendent through an online survey. The survey closes April 1.

Full Message / Spanish

March 15, 2023, Community Update: Upcoming Forums on Superintendent Search

Dear Team BCPS Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students—

Members of the BCPS community are invited to participating in upcoming public forums from March 21-23, 2023, regarding the national search for a new superintendent. The meetings will be hosted by McPherson and Jacobson LLC, the executive search firm.

The forums will give BCPS parents, staff, students and community members an opportunity to identify the educational priorities and leadership qualities they would like to see in the next superintendent. Members of the community are welcome to attend all meetings.

The dates and locations of the forums are as follows:

Full Message / Spanish

March 8, 2023, Community Update: State Department Releases 2022 Maryland School Report Card

Dear Team BCPS Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students—

Today, the Maryland State Department of Education released new accountability information for each public school system in the state, including the Star ratings for individual schools. These new Star Ratings are calculated using 2021–2022 school year accountability data. Since 2017–2018, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has reported on accountability components outlined in the Maryland Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan which evaluates school systems and individual schools on a set of criteria. 

Full Message / Spanish

March 2, 2023, Community Update: FREE MEAL SERVICE FOR STUDENTS

Dear Team BCPS:

We are pleased to share that Baltimore County Public Schools intends to provide free breakfast and lunch to all BCPS students, beginning next school year (2023-2024).

Full Message / Spanish

March 1, 2023, Community Update: BOARD OF EDUCATION HIRES SEARCH FIRM TO ASSIST WITH SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

The Board of Education of Baltimore County (Board) has selected McPherson and Jacobson LLC, to assist in the national search for a new superintendent.

McPherson and Jacobson was chosen from among six search firms that responded to the Board’s request for proposals in January, following Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams’ announcement that he would not seek another contract. The Board unanimously approved a contract for $150,000 with McPherson and Jacobson, during its February 28 meeting.

Full Message

January 23, 2023, Community Update: Spring 2022 MCAP Assessment Results

On Tuesday, January 24, the Maryland State Department of Education will release final data from the spring 2022 administration of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.

The new assessments, which replaced the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) test, provides critical information on the progress students and schools are making on state academic content standards as well as student progress toward graduation and career readiness.

Full Message /Spanish

December 12, 2022, Community Update: BCPS Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Priorities Survey

The Baltimore County Public Schools Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools are currently building the school budget for the 2023-24 school year. This survey is designed to help community members share opinions and input with the leadership team and the Board of Education to make the budget process more collaborative and informative.

Full Message /Spanish

December 6, 2022, Community Update: Human Resources Special Project - UPDATE

Dear Team BCPS Staff:

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is taking immediate and substantive action to address concerns raised by Team BCPS employees and retirees regarding human resources (HR) services.

On November 14, 2022, a cross-divisional team was established to implement innovative solutions that address ongoing technology concerns, staffing needs, and backlogs from manual processing impacting system operations. Specifically, the team was designed to:

Full Message / Spanish

December 2, 2022, Community Update: Update on Enhanced Compensation Package for Team BCPS Employees

Dear Team BCPS Staff:

The purpose of this message is to provide an update on the enhanced compensation package that was announced at the end of September. The enhancements will be implemented this month and details are as follows:

Full Message / Spanish

October 25, 2022, Community Update:Safe and Supportive Schools

Dear Team BCPS:

As superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, I am committed to ensuring that we provide a safe and supportive environment for all. I served as a principal, assistant principal, and teacher for more than 35 years and I understand the impact a positive climate has on student well-being and teaching and learning. As a parent, I know deeply the trust we place in schools in keeping our children safe. That is why, as a system, we are using all legally available tools and resources to protect students and hold accountable those who break the rules.

Full Message /Spanish

October 10, 2022, Community Update: Staff and Community Update: Virtual Town Hall on Safe and Supportive Schools

Please join us on Thursday, October 13, Virtual Town Hall on Safe and Supportive Environments. The virtual conversation for elementary families will take place from 6 - 7 p.m. and for secondary families from 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. Families can participate in the meeting via theBCPS website and the BCPS-TV YouTube channel. You can also submit questions in advance online. We will provide live, simultaneous interpretation for Spanish-speaking families via Microsoft Teams.

Full Message /Spanish

October 4, 2022, Staff Update: Successful Opening of Schools

Dear Colleagues, 

Thank you for the work you have done to ensure we had a successful opening of schools and first month of the 2022-2023 school year. As I have visited schools across the county, I have seen clean facilities and well-groomed campuses, buses transporting students safely to and from school, and spoken with teachers and staff excited to be back in their buildings. I have also seen  students deeply engaged in learning and participating in a variety of activities despite ongoing staffing shortages. We are fortunate to work in a school system where staff members – school-based and central office- prioritize student needs and are willing to shift gears when our students need us.  

Full Message

September 23, 2022 Community Update: Pine Grove Middle School Serious Incident

Dear Team BCPS:

On Wednesday, September 21, 2022, the Baltimore County Police Department announced the filing of criminal charges against two individuals in connection to the explosive device located near Pine Grove Middle School on the previous day. We want to thank our law enforcement partners for their swift response and immense efforts to protect our students and communities. This latest sobering incident at Pine Grove Middle School reiterates the importance of emergency planning and preparedness and working together as partners to ensure student safety.

Full Message /Spanish

September 21, 2022 Community Update: Pine Grove Middle School

Dear Team BCPS:

We want to provide you with information regarding the serious incident that occurred at Pine Grove Middle School. Today, shortly before noon, it was reported to school administration that there was a suspicious package near school property. School administrators immediately implemented safety procedures. Out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with the Baltimore County Police Department (BCoPD), we evacuated students to Pine Grove Elementary School. Students and staff from Pine Grove Middle School were then transported to Parkville High School for reunification with families. We also transported students and staff from Pine Grove Elementary School to Loch Raven High School due to road closures and traffic congestion. After safely clearing Pine Grove Middle School, the BCoPD Hazardous Device Team neutralized the suspicious package. Thanks to the incredible efforts of the police, emergency responders, and BCPS staff, all students were safely reunited with their families this afternoon.

Full Message /Spanish

September 19, 2022 Community Update: Community Update: Athletic Events

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Baltimore County Public Schools is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all staff, students and spectators participating in athletic events. Athletic programs positively impact the community and it is our expectation that student athlete and spectator behaviors reflect our core values of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Full Message / Spanish

September 15, 2022 Community Update: Partnering for Safety

Dear Parents and Guardians:

As we begin a new school year, it is important to remind the Team BCPS community of the importance of providing safe learning environments. Parents/guardians, you play an important role in our efforts to provide a safe and nurturing school environment. Please review the reminders below and have conversations with your children about expectations for their behavior in our schools and on the bus.

Full Message /Spanish

September 15, 2022 Community Update: Virtual Learning During Inclement Weather Days

Baltimore County Public Schools values your input.  The Maryland State Department of Education has provided local school systems with an opportunity to use virtual inclement weather days throughout the year. The 2022-2023 school calendar includes 5 inclement weather days.

Full Message /Spanish

September 15, 2022, 2022 Community Update: November 23, 2022 Early Release Day

Dear Parents and Guardians: 

On Tuesday, September 13, 2022, the Board of Education unanimously approved a 3-hour early release day for schools and offices on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, in recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday.  

Full Message /Spanish

August 29, 2022 Community Update: 2022-2023 BCPS Transportation Update

Dear BCPS Families, Staff and Community Members,

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! Today, we will welcome more than 111,000 students back to our classrooms and school buildings. Team BCPS staff have been preparing for this day all summer and we are excited to welcome our students back for what we know will be an incredible school year. While the school year is new, our mission and commitment remain unchanged—to raise the bar, close achievement and opportunity gaps and prepare every student for the future. Please take a moment to watch this year’s Welcome Back video. In the video, we highlight our theme for this school year and reflect on the work of the system to ensure all students thrive. Welcome back, Team BCPS! Let’s make it a great year!

Dr. Darryl L. Williams
Superintendent

Mrs. Julie Henn
Chair, Board of Education of Baltimore County

2022-2023 Welcome Back Video

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August 25, 2022 Community Update: Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year!

Dear BCPS Families,

As we prepare for the first day of school, we want to provide you with an update on BCPS transportation services.

Our school buses transport more than 77,000 students – twice each school day – and we want to ensure that we provide safe and timely transportation for all students this school year. We have been working to improve our processes and enhance transportation services in preparation for the new school year. However, it is important to note that school systems across the state and nation continue to work through the impacts of a nationwide bus driver shortage. Our goal this summer was to hire 90 bus drivers. To date, BCPS has hired 42 new bus drivers and 14 bus attendants. 39 additional bus drivers are working with Human Resources to complete pre-employment processes. As a result of the continued shortage, we do anticipate that certain routes may operate later than normally scheduled. We are working to minimize delays as much as possible and we will provide families with timely updates regarding bus service and potential delays throughout the year.

Full Message /Spanish

August 23 2022 Community Update: Teacher Staffing Update

Dear Team BCPS Parents, Students and Staff:

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is looking forward to welcoming more than 111,000 students back to school on Monday, August 29, 2022. The purpose of this message is to provide an update on our readiness for the opening of schools and ongoing efforts to recruit and hire highly qualified teachers. We want to make certain that each student has a qualified, consistent classroom teacher when the school year begins on Monday.

Full Message /Spanish

August 17, 2022 Community Update: Back-to-School Information

August 17, 2022 Community Update: Back-to-School Information August 2022 Dear BCPS Students, Parents, and Families: In preparation for welcoming students to the 2022-2023 school year, school teams and their central office partners have been working diligently to ensure each student enters a safe, supportive environment for learning and growth. Students will see vibrant and exciting learning spaces that will engage their academic, social, and emotional well-being. School leaders and teachers have been engaged in professional learning to accelerate each child's progress towards their academic goals. School staff have crafted School Progress Plans to address student skills in reading, writing, and mathematics and to identify action steps to support student social-emotional well-being. School procedures, schedules, and activities will be fully explained to all students in support of a smooth transition back to in-person instruction. August 17, 2022

Full Message /Spanish/

August 11, 2022 Community Update: Student Expectations, Rights and Responsibilities

Our Commitment: Safe and Supportive Learning Environments
Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environments for all students. The resources below outline student expectations, rights and responsibilities for the 2022-2023 school year. BCPS families are encouraged to review resources with children prior to the start of school. Students will also review the documents in class with school staff.

Full Message / Spanish/

August 11, 2022 Community Update: Transportation Procedures and Expectations

Dear BCPS Parents, Caregivers and Students, 

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is committed to providing safe and supportive environments for all students and staff. The Office of Transportation’s #1 goal each day is to transport all student bus riders safely to and from school. In order to accomplish this goal, we need the cooperation of the entire community. Positive student behavior while entering, riding and leaving the bus contributes to safe transportation by making it possible for drivers to dedicate their full attention to the roads and other drivers. Student bus riders are expected to act responsibly and respectfully at all times. 

Full Message /Spanish