Baltimore Mayor Scott Appoints New Member to City School Board, Welcomes Youth Commissioners

Baltimore, MD – Mayor Brandon M. Scott has announced the appointment of Amber Scott Woodruff to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. Woodruff, an educator with over 15 years of experience and a dedicated advocate for disability services, is expected to contribute her expertise to the board’s mission of enhancing academic achievement and strengthening the administration of Baltimore City Public Schools, which serves more than 75,000 students.

Woodruff’s career encompasses roles as an early childhood educator, network leader, and education consultant. Her professional background includes leading significant initiatives focused on developing educator pipelines and managing the certification and development of new teachers. Her work has consistently aimed at creating supportive systems for educators, families, and children. In her current position as Director of Strategy and Research at the Greater Baltimore Committee, Woodruff is involved in collaborative projects focused on increasing local hiring, reducing gun violence, and improving police recruitment and retention. These initiatives highlight her understanding of cross-sector cooperation and the integral role of education in fostering safer and more robust communities. Woodruff’s personal experiences as a parent navigating early intervention, disability services, and Pre-K enrollment have further solidified her commitment to creating accessible, inclusive, and family-focused educational systems. She has expressed a belief that all children in Baltimore deserve strong leadership and equal access to opportunities.

The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners plays a crucial role in setting educational standards and overseeing the management of the city’s public school system. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor following recommendations from a community panel, with the selection process coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success. All current vacancies on the board have been filled. Further details about the Board of School Commissioners can be found on the Mayor’s official website.

In addition to the appointment to the Board of School Commissioners, Mayor Scott also presided over the swearing-in ceremony for three new members of the Baltimore City Youth Commission. Noah Stevenson will represent District 10, Jocelyn Rojas will serve for District 1, and Trevor Smith has been appointed for District 14. The Youth Commission serves as a vital platform for young Baltimore residents to provide input to the Mayor, City Council, and municipal agencies. This commission aims to influence policies, programs, and services that affect children, youth, and families, ensuring that the voices of young people are considered in government decisions and that city leadership remains reflective of the priorities of the younger generation.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Mayor’s Office of Baltimore City

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