Greetings Arts Advocates,
As you may know, the current CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, Dr. Sonja Santelises, will conclude her term in June 2026. This presents an exciting opportunity for Baltimore City community arts education advocates to make their voices heard in shaping the future administration of City Schools, but this opportunity is very time-sensitive! The Board of Commissioners has hired the Alma search firm to conduct a nationwide search for the next CEO and will be hosting several community forums to hear from students, parents, teachers, and community members. We need you to make sure the arts are lifted up as a priority at each forum. Let us know which forum you will attend by completing this short form.
The CEO search community forums schedule is outlined below:
- Monday, Sept. 15, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. CEO Search Telephone Town Hall with Mayor Brandon Scott (details here)
- Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Digital Harbor High School
- Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Patterson High School
- Thursday, Sept. 18, from 6 p.m – 8 p.m. at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
- Friday, Sept. 19, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Furley Elementary School
- Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Calvin M. Rodwell Elementary Middle School
- Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (A link to this virtual event will be shared closer to the date.)
Not sure what to say? Here are a few talking points to consider:
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- The next CEO should have a strong track record of expanding and sustaining the arts.
- I want to see the next CEO continue implementation of the Fine Arts Strategic Plan and expanded implementation of the Instrumental Music Program.
- The next CEO should have a demonstrated record of working in collaboration with community members and community groups.
- As a parent, the arts matter to my child because _______. The next CEO should have a vision that includes expansion of the arts.
- As a student, the arts matter to me because _______.
- As an arts teacher, I hope the next CEO understands the value of the arts as a core subject and leads by example.
- As a community member, I hope the next CEO sees the incredible potential building college and career pathways in the arts.
- As an artist, I know the arts are the reason that many students come to school every day. The next CEO should be a champion of the arts in concept and practice.
Once the community forums wrap up, the search firm will use your feedback to write the job description for the next CEO, which will be shared publicly. At the same time, the Board will meet with local news outlets to share what they heard, give updates on the search process, and answer questions from the community.
Once the community forums wrap up, the search firm will use your feedback to write the job description for the next CEO, which will be shared publicly. At the same time, the Board will meet with local news outlets to share what they heard, give updates on the search process, and answer questions from the community.
For more information or questions about participating, please contact us at info@artseveryday.org.
Your voice matters—help shape the future of arts education in Baltimore.
We’re excited to invite you to the first parent-led open forum on the future of arts education in Baltimore City Public Schools.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM (doors open at 5:30)
Location: Unity Hall, 1505 Eutaw Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217
Livestream: Facebook Live @BmoreArtsEd
Onsite childcare, pizza & drinks, and a pre-event meet & greet
Hosted by: Baltimore Advocates for Arts Education (BA4AE)—a collective of parents, caregivers, and community members working to ensure every child has access to high-quality, equitable arts education.
The open forum will center parent voices, highlight disparities and bright spots across schools, and build momentum toward stronger, more equitable arts opportunities for all City Schools students.
Together, we aim to:
- Establish School-Based Arts Liaisons to help track and support arts education at the ground level
- Increase Public Understanding of the current state of arts education in City Schools
- Expand Advocacy Readiness, equipping more families and community members to take action
- Elevate Parent and Community Voice in:
- The selection of the next CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools
- The push for policy that supports arts access equity and full implementation of the district’s Fine Arts Strategic Plan
We’d be honored to have you in the room! Please RSVP HERE
Warmly,
The BA4AE Team
For more information or questions about participating or about BA4AE, please contact Sheena M. Morrison at sheena@artseveryday.org.
Contact Details
info@artseveryday.org
410-685-1172
1505 Eutaw Place, Ste 204
Baltimore, MD 21217
Get directions ›
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