TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Councilman David Marks (R) and Delegate Carl Jackson (D) have each written letters to the members of the Baltimore County Board of Education in support of a policy change that would improve the decision-making that occurs when a student has been arrested.

“This rule change would require law enforcement agencies to notify the Baltimore County Public School Superintendent when a student has been arrested for a reportable offense,” reads Councilman Marks’ letter. “The change would also require the Superintendent to provide guidance to schools on how to respond to such reports.”

“We need clear, centralized decision-making on whether offenders are allowed to attend classes, and violent offenders should have alternative arrangements,” Marks’ letter continues.

“The need for this rule change was made all too clear during this past school year – when a confirmed sexual offender was allowed to attend classes with underage students, resulting in harm to other students,” reads Delegate Jackson’s letter. “As community leaders, we absolutely cannot allow this to happen again.”

“Classrooms are meant to be places of learning and growth – something that is unfortunately impossible if safety is not guaranteed,” Jackson’s letter continues. “This rule change will go a long way in ensuring that our schools are once again places where parents can feel confident in the safety of their children.”

Back in February, parents and community leaders raised concerns when it was reported that a registered sex offender was taking classes at Parkville High School.

A copy of each letter is below.

Councilman Marks School Conduct Letter

Delegate Jackson School Conduct Letter

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