Board approves FY25 Q2 budget amendments, consent agenda including REACH field transfer and district calendars

Baltimore City Public Schools’ Board of Commissioners approved the district’s FY25 second-quarter budget amendments and the remaining consent agenda on March 11, which included a supplemental appropriation to support the REACH field project and adoption of two district calendars for school years 2025–26 and 2026–27.

The supplemental appropriation presented by Deputy Chief Financial Officer Maryann Cox requested a transfer of $10,667,580 from the district’s unassigned general fund balance to the capital projects fund to pay for the REACH field project. Cox said the gross transfer will be partially offset by reimbursements from Baltimore City Recreation & Parks and the Maryland Stadium Authority, reducing the district’s net outlay to roughly $5 million.

Commissioners moved and voted on multiple items: Commissioner Redding Lawinger moved approval of the FY25 quarter 2 budget amendments (item 6.03); Commissioner Esposito seconded. Later, Commissioner Kenyatta Bey moved approval of the remaining consent agenda (which included prior open/closed session summaries, the REACH supplemental transfer, gifts and donations, and district calendar items); Esposito seconded. The roll-call votes for both motions were recorded in the affirmative by Commissioners Ames Messinger, Esposito, Kenyatta Bey, Redding Lawinger, Rooks, Slater Harrington and the board chair, and both motions passed.

Board staff and presenters noted that the REACH transfer is an accounting transaction that affects audited budget statements and is required when appropriations move across categories. The board also discussed specific consent items earlier in the meeting: a $362,730 donation of book resources and SkyBRARY licenses from Reading Is Fundamental and the district calendars for 2025–26 and 2026–27. Staff said the two calendars are similar in structure; the 2026–27 calendar was adjusted so spring break aligns differently with Easter weekend and to start the year with two full weeks before Labor Day to avoid pushing the school year into late June.

The board’s approval of the consent agenda finalizes the items presented during the meeting; staff said any subsequent amendments to calendar or budget items would return to the board for a vote.

Votes at a glance

- FY25 Quarter 2 budget amendments (Item 6.03): Motion moved by Commissioner Redding Lawinger; seconded by Commissioner Esposito; outcome: approved (unanimous recorded votes in favor). Note: vote recorded individually for present commissioners: Ames Messinger — yes; Commissioner Esposito — yes; Kenyatta Bey — yes; Redding Lawinger — yes; Rooks — yes; Slater Harrington — yes; Chair — yes.

- Remaining consent agenda (includes 6.02 REACH supplemental appropriation, gifts/donations 6.01, district calendars 6.05, and other consent items): Motion moved by Commissioner Kenyatta Bey; seconded by Commissioner Esposito; outcome: approved (affirmative roll call as above).

What the votes mean

The FY25 quarter 2 amendments and the supplemental transfer permit the district to move appropriations necessary for the REACH field project and to update the district’s financial statements for audit. Staff said the REACH transfer will be recorded as a supplemental appropriation in the audited budget and that the district will receive reimbursements from partner agencies that reduce the district’s final net cost.

The calendars approved by the board will be shared publicly following the meeting; staff said the 2026–27 calendar will still need state submission and, if necessary, may be amended later by board action.

Ending

Board staff said detailed budget documents and calendar files will be posted to the district website and that any future changes will come back to the board for formal action. The board adjourned after routine closing motions.