2018 Bunting Fellow Larry Simmons Appointed to Baltimore City School Board

The Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute is thrilled to celebrate Larry Carlton Simmons Jr., a proud member of the 2018 Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program (BNLP) cohort, on his recent appointment to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners.

Simmons is a dedicated community leader known for his leadership and unwavering commitment to Baltimore’s youth. After three decades of work with and for young people, his appointment to the School Board is a direct reflection of his intentions. His journey spans roles as a Community School Coordinator, Chair of the Parent and Community Advisory Board of City Schools, and leader of out-of-school-time programs for 15 years. 

During his time with BNLP, Simmons connected with Dr. Richard Lofton, Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, and later collaborated to create the Nobody Asked Me Campaign and Research Team—an initiative empowering youth voices and informing education policy in Baltimore. “BNLP set me on the path of authentic leadership, and I'm forever grateful,” Simmons reflected.

With support from UHI’s Strategic Consultation Grant, Simmons and the Nobody Ask Me team were able to partner with Baltimore City Public Schools to pilot a school-based intervention using restorative practices and design thinking to improve classroom climate and address the impact of concentrated poverty on student well-being. 

Looking ahead, Simmons is committed to championing youth voices and strengthening school-community partnerships. “We need greater respect for youth and community voices, stronger relationships with families, and a greater focus on the young people who are actually doing the right thing. We spend a lot of time and money on a very small percentage of our total youth population in our city,” he emphasized.

At the Urban Health Institute, we understand that education is a fundamental driver of health outcomes. We couldn’t be prouder to see a BNLP Fellow take on this important role, and we are confident that Simmons’ leadership in youth education will help shape an inclusive future for Baltimore’s students and families.