Baltimore Schools Expand Workforce Amid Declining Student Enrollment

Baltimore City Public Schools is experiencing a notable increase in its workforce, despite a decline in student enrollment over recent years. According to data from the Maryland State Department of Education, between 2018 and 2024, student enrollment in the district decreased by 6%, while the number of employees surged by nearly 19%.

Currently, there are 1,714 more staff members in the district, with 4,781 fewer students. The staffing increase includes a 15% rise in instructional staff, which consists of classroom teachers and educational support roles, and a 28% increase in non-instructional staff, including administrative positions.

Corey DeAngelis, an advocate for school choice, criticized this trend, stating, "It's not supposed to be a jobs program for adults. It's supposed to be an education initiative for kids." He questioned the logic of expanding staff while losing students, emphasizing that funds should prioritize direct educational support for children.

During the same period, academic outcomes in Baltimore City have worsened. Metrics such as graduation rates, average SAT scores, and attendance rates have declined, while dropout rates and chronic absenteeism have risen. DeAngelis pointed out that the focus on hiring rather than improving student performance highlights the need for alternative educational options.

In response to inquiries, Baltimore City Schools released a statement asserting that they are committed to hiring qualified staff to support student success. They emphasized the importance of having well-resourced schools staffed with caring adults, while acknowledging that more work is needed to achieve better outcomes.

For context, last school year, Baltimore City had 10,874 employees for 75,811 students, resulting in a ratio of 6.9 students per employee. Comparatively, Baltimore County reported a ratio of 7.1, Howard County at 6.5, and Anne Arundel County at 7.4.

DeAngelis advocates for a system where educational funding follows the student, allowing families to choose the best educational paths for their children, which he believes could incentivize public schools to enhance their offerings.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).