Baltimore schools went on ‘hiring spree’ amid academic, student enrollment decline, 6-year analysis shows

Whenever businesses start losing customers, they typically cut back on new hires – unless it’s the “business” of public education, a recent news report argues.

“More school employees are not leading to better student outcomes,” writes Chris Papst for the local Fox affiliate, noting enrollment at Baltimore City Public Schools fell by 6% between 2018 and 2024.

During this timeframe, the district’s staffing surged by nearly 19% – raising the number to 1,714 more adults for 4,781 fewer students, according to Papst.

“Most student outcomes in Baltimore City during the same time period have gone down. From 2018 to 2024, the graduation rate, average SAT score and the attendance rate have decreased, while the dropout rate and chronic absenteeism have increased.”

Non-instructional positions outpacing instructional hires

Data from the state’s department of education showed a 28% increase in non-instructional staff –including administrative positions – compared to the smaller 15% increase for instructional staff. 

“It’s not supposed to be a jobs program for adults. It’s supposed to be an education initiative for kids,” said Corey DeAngelis, an education reform advocate. “In what other industry do you lose your customer base and you go on a hiring spree?” 

Hiring staffers who aren’t directly involved with the classroom doesn’t help advance student learning, DeAngelis argues. 

“It’s all about where the money’s going,” he said. “And if it’s not going into the classroom, if it’s not making its way to the teacher and the children, it’s not going to improve outcomes.” 

The district has come under fire recently for low test scores even as it benefits from an increase in taxpayer funding. 

Despite glowing media releases describing the district’s “third largest gains in fourth-grade math,” Papst highlighted the abysmal ranking from the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress report.   

“What City Schools doesn’t mention in the article is that, even with those gains, Baltimore City recorded the fourth lowest score in the nation among the 26 districts tested, which is consistent with where the school system has historically ranked,” he wrote. 

Reading scores fared similarly, with the district placing “fourth lowest in fourth grade reading and fifth lowest in eighth grade reading – which is omitted from the press release.” 

Shannon Wright, a former Baltimore City mayoral candidate, cited this dismal student performance as support for her proposal to replace the district’s CEO. 

“There’s a direct correlation between the poor performance of education and criminal justice with youth,” she said. “If we do not fix our schools and our system, we will not fix youth juvenile justice. We have to fix this.”