Nepotism concerns at MATHS
The Baltimore school board will again vote tomorrow night on whether to extend or end its contract with the Maryland Academy of Technology and Health Sciences, or MATHS, the charter high school with the high suspension rate.
The CEO's recommendation the last time the board voted was a two-year contract extension for the school. Now, according to the BoardDocs Web site, he is asking the board "to approve a two-year extension for MATHS with several stipulations and timeline including ameliorating nepotism concerns, restructuring its governing board, and developing and implementing school culture plan."
Nepotism concerns? What does that mean? I'm told that school board members have concerns about personal relationships among the MATHS board members, school staff and non-profit staff working with the school.
As for the commenter yesterday wanting to know why Dr. Alonso wants to take Edison's contract away at two struggling schools but extend the contract for MATHS: I think it's worth pointing out that Edison has been running its schools for nine years; MATHS has only been in business for two.
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
I think it is also important to note that Edison is paid more than Charter Schools. I believe, I maybe mistaken, that Alsono said he would be willing to pay Edison the same as other charter schools, of which MATHS is included.
Posted by: baltimore city school employee | March 23, 2009 1:15 PM
Yes Edison has been at the three school for nine years but they were under the control of the state for the first seven...
Yes Edison is paid more than charters but the reduction only applied to Montebello.
Posted by: OverTheTop | March 23, 2009 9:57 PM