It's good to know there is some discussion about improving our schools in Baltimore. Our students must have conducive learning environments and as many resources as other school districts have.

Most of our school buildings are outdated and are definitely in need of some TLC. If we want our students to attend school, be engaged in learning, and aim for success, we have to begin with making our school buildings welcoming and comfortable. Students should be learning in bright buildings. So many buildings need new lighting in classrooms and around the school as well as paint jobs.

Toward the end of May and beginning of June, the weather starts to warm up and classrooms become overheated, especially classrooms on the third floor of a school. Students become irritable and don't want to work because they are hot and uncomfortable. Our buildings should be updated with air conditioning.

I plan to be there with some of my colleagues to voice some concerns!

Until we get spending under control in the schools, we will never see schools where all the windows are new, all the doors lock, adequate heat and air conditioning. I say this because I have sat in on meetings for schools who had the funds to get new doors but the companies that Facilities uses are ridiculous in what they ask to replace one door let alone 7 or more per school. BCPS needs to stop spending money like its nothing and really look into first, hiring Baltimore contractors for something of this magnitude instead of some guy coming in throwing out all these prices and no one questions anything and signs away. No door for a school (NOT BULLET PROOF,) should run $30,000 if not more per door or window. The mayor and others need to look into this matter. BCPS continues to talk about the community being a partner to the schools but no one takes the time to see what companies here in Baltimore are willing and able to do the same job (doors and windows, heating and air conditioning) . **The price I listed for one door may be a little low.