Incumbent Baltimore School Board Members Avoid Interviews Despite Past Calls for Transparency

Baltimore City school board members Kwame’ Kenyatta-Bey and Ashley Esposito, who previously championed transparency during their 2022 campaign, have opted not to participate in interviews with Project Baltimore as they seek re-election.

In 2022, the Board of School Commissioners expanded to include two elected members, a change that allowed residents to vote for their representatives for the first time. Kenyatta-Bey and Esposito were among the candidates who emphasized the importance of transparency in school governance.

During their initial campaign, Kenyatta-Bey stated, "Transparency is the key... if we don't have open communication... we don't move forward." Esposito echoed similar sentiments, arguing that addressing issues openly could lead to better outcomes for the school system.

As the June 23 election approaches, both incumbents have declined interview requests from Project Baltimore, which had previously conducted interviews with all candidates. While five of the seven candidates agreed to participate, Kenyatta-Bey and Esposito did not.

Kenyatta-Bey, who is currently a teacher, cited time constraints as a reason for his decision not to engage in interviews. In an email, he explained that his teaching commitments limit his availability.

Esposito, on the other hand, took to social media to express her views, stating that she disagrees with the narrative presented by Project Baltimore regarding the state of Baltimore City Public Schools. She did not elaborate on the specific issues she has with their reporting but indicated a reluctance to engage with what she termed "bad faith actors."

Both members have served on the board for four years, during which Baltimore City has faced significant challenges, including the lowest graduation and attendance rates in the state, as well as the highest dropout rate. Their refusal to participate in interviews raises questions about their commitment to the transparency they once advocated.

With the primary election approaching, the community awaits to see how these issues will be addressed by all candidates on the ballot.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).