TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Public Schools welcomed more than 111,000 students on Monday, August 29 into its 176 schools for the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

BCPS new hires for the school year include nearly 800 teachers, 62.5 office professionals, 11.4 health assistants, 100 paraeducators, and 21 principals.

“The start of a new school year is an incredibly exciting time for all members of Team BCPS,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “While the school year is new, our mission and commitment remain unchanged—to raise the bar, close achievement and opportunity gaps, and prepare every student for the future. We are committed to moving forward, together again.”

To accommodate growing enrollment and facility needs, the new Rossville Elementary School in Rosedale opened its doors to nearly 735 students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. The school, led by Principal Kevin Jennings Jr., is more than 108,000 square feet and features state-of-the-art technology and flexible, collaborative workspaces for students. The new school uses the highest standards of sustainability in design, including geothermal systems, an outdoor learning environment, and collaborative learning spaces.

“We are pleased to welcome Team BCPS students, staff, and families back for what will be an incredible year of learning and achievement,” said Board of Education Chair Julie Henn. “The Board is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunities and resources needed to meet their full potential. We wish everyone a memorable and successful school year.”

BCPS continues to invest in preparing students to graduate ready for college, careers, or the military. For the 2022-2023 school year, these investments include:

• Expanded dual enrollment/early college access opportunities for high school students.
• Enhanced safety measures, including the placement of safety assistants in all secondary schools. These new safety assistants will focus on de-escalation strategies and relationship building and provide additional adult presence in buildings.
• Piloting the elementary-level myView literacy program, which emphasizes creativity and project-based inquiry to incorporate science, social studies, and other cross-curricular activities and learning into English language arts.
• Increased support for students’ physical, social, and psychological well-being.
• Expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings, including finalizing plans for the new Artificial Intelligence CTE/magnet program. Student applications will be accepted this school year for the program, which will begin in the 2023-2024 school year. The program will be the first artificial intelligence program in Maryland schools.
• Increased partnerships with families, neighborhoods, and community and business partners to support the success of students and schools.

BCPS By the Numbers:

176 schools, centers, and programs

• Elementary schools: 108
• Middle schools: 26
• High schools: 24
• Special schools, alternative programs, and centers: 18

Student Demographics:

• 40.4 percent Black or African American
• 32.8 percent white
• 14 percent Hispanic/Latino
• 7.3 percent Asian
• 5.2 percent multiracial
• 0.3 percent Native American
• 0.1 percent Pacific Islander
• Services:
• 53 percent eligible for Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) program
• 13.6 percent of students receiving special education services

More in the video below…

Welcome Back TEAM BCPS 2022-2023 from Baltimore County Public Schools on Vimeo.

Photo via BCPS