By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
On Nov. 19 the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners (Board) announced the immediate resignation of Board Chair Ronald S. McFadden and Vice Chair Shantell L. Roberts.
McFadden first joined the Board in 2018, and began serving as vice chair in 2021. In 2023 he was appointed to the chairman’s role by Mayor Brandon M. Scott. Roberts was also appointed to her position by Scott in 2023.
Following the resignation of McFadden and Roberts, the Board voted to appoint two new members into their vacant positions. Robert Salley was appointed as Board chair and Ashiah Parker will serve as vice chair.
Robert Salley was appointed to the Board in 2022. He is a former City Schools educator with a series of professional experiences that span across K-12, higher education, non-profit, philanthropy and government. His chair position on the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee and membership on the Board’s Policy Committee has allowed him to combine his lengthy expertise and key perspective to support the organization’s efforts in school accountability, school improvement and public reporting measures.
Ashiah Parker was appointed to the Board in 2024. Parker is the parent of a BCPS student and has worked since the start of her tenure to ensure that every student in the district has access to a quality education. Her membership on the Board’s Audit Committee and Board’s Operations Committee has provided her with a keen insight and diverse background to thrive for the betterment of BCPS.
Both Salley and Parker will only finish the remainder of McFadden and Roberts’ terms, respectively.
During McFadden and Roberts’ time on the Board, Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) adopted the Equity Policy, which increased funding and access to the arts, advocated for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, prioritized the growing of student government associations, oversaw the 21st Century Buildings Program and maneuvered the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Board will convene again to appoint leadership for the 2025-26 school year.
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