Councilman Marks to Superintendent: Take Action at Perry Hall HS

This morning, our office delivered the following letter to the Interim Superintendent. I have been in touch with School Board Chairman Ed Gilliss and School Board member Julie Henn, a Perry Hall resident.

Interim Superintendent Verletta White
Baltimore County Public Schools
6901 North Charles Street
Towson, MD 21204

Dear Superintendent White:

I am appalled at the most recent event involving discipline at Perry Hall High School. I first became aware of this incident through a parent, and did not hear from a single Baltimore County Public School system employee during the course of the day. I am grateful, as always, for Captain Kelly from the White Marsh precinct, who provided me with details.

Public safety must be a core priority for the Baltimore County Public School system—particularly for a high school that was the target of a shooting six years ago. Despite investing millions of dollars in taxpayer money in security systems, it is clear there is a fundamental problem.

I understand there is an ongoing police investigation, and I will urge the State’s Attorney to prosecute those involved to the fullest, pending the results of that criminal probe. The school system should inform the public of how it dealt with these individuals. I am also asking for the school system to promptly implement any recommendations that are many by the police investigators.

Finally, I repeat my earlier request for stronger policies on countywide residency requirements and discipline that I made at last year’s budget hearing.

As a proud alumnus of Perry Hall High School, parent, and Councilman for this area, I do everything in my power to highlight the achievements of this school. The behavior shown in the video is an aberration when compared to the broad achievements of the students at this school—but unfortunately, it is part of a steady stream of incidents that erodes a sense of security and confidence in this school.

Sincerely:

Councilman David Marks