$1.78 Billion Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Approved for Baltimore City Schools Amid CEO Contract Uncertainty: $42 Million Increase Allocated for Academic Improvements

The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners unanimously approved the district’s $1.78 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2025 without much discussion.

Baltimore School District Faces Contract Decision and Budget Challenges Amid Pandemic Funding Uncertainty

The board chair, Ronald McFadden wouldn’t talk about Santelises contract citing confidentiality. He said a decision would come by July 1st when her contract ends. Santelises didn’t comment on whether she wants to continue leading the district saying it’s not the right time. Mayor Brandon Scott supports her and hopes she’ll stay which would make her the district’s longest-serving leader in decades, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The approved budget is $42 million more than last year’s but federal pandemic funding is running out and the state’s increase in funding for Blueprint programs is modest. The board approved the budget without much discussion because they had already talked with schools and community members about it.

Most of the district’s revenue, around $1.5 billion comes from state and local funding for Blueprint programs. This includes $135 million for concentration-of-poverty grants, which help low-income schools. Baltimore City schools have been using school-based budgeting for years, which helped them manage during lean budget years.

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(photo: The Daily Caller)

Baltimore City School District Approves $1.78 Billion Budget Amid Contract Uncertainty for CEO Santelises

The budget allocates over $52.6 million for academic improvements focusing on literacy and math. There’s also funding for a well-rounded education, preparing students for college or careers, and supporting social and behavioral health services. Teacher salaries are also set to increase by an average of 6.5%.

Furthermore, the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners approved the district’s $1.78 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2025 while CEO Sonja Santelises contract status remains uncertain. Despite a $42 million increase the budget faces challenges due to reduced federal pandemic funding and modest state contributions. The swift approval reflects prior discussions with funding primarily from state and local sources including $135 million for concentration-of-poverty grants.

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