Implementing the Kirwan Commission recommendations is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to make significant changes to the way Maryland students are educated. These changes will have particular effects on Baltimore City Public School students as well as students from Prince George’s county. Those two districts stand out because they are two of the only three school districts in Maryland where a majority of the student population is Black. In that vein, members from the Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) and the Prince George’s County Education Association (PGCEA) united for a first of its kind lobbying effort in Annapolis.
Members met with legislators to discuss the specifics of Kirwan, and what those policy recommendations look like in practice. Members of BTU and PGCEA met with over 24 legislators from the Maryland General Assembly representing both the state Senate and the House of Delegates. The meetings gave the educators an opportunity to not only advocate for the passage of the recommendations, but also the full funding of the recommendations.
Labor leaders from BTU noted that legislators truly appreciated the opportunity to dialogue with educational professionals as well as engage activists from throughout the state. Elected officials had thoughtful conversations and questions for the members, while our members and partners from PGCEA were also able to ask incisive questions of their own, and provide answers where electeds needed them.
2020-02-24