Garrison Middle School Needs Help

BALTIMORE — Baltimore city has hired an outside company to help turn around one of its most troubled middle schools.

A company called Global Partnership Schools, which was launched by two former superintendents, said it believes it has the tools to fix struggling Garrison Middle School. Even though work crews have spent the summer doing renovations, the changes to the school aren’t just cosmetic. There’s a new principal, staff and teachers, some of whom chose to return to help with the turnaround.

“I just have a love for the subject area that I teach. I am a social studies teacher, and I love children, and I want to see them achieve,” said teacher Brenda Tilghman.

Global Partnership Schools has pledged to help staff and students to try to make lasting improvements.

“I think you can say, ‘Let’s just come in and wipe it all clean and start again.’ We are not doing that. We’re looking at what worked and maintaining what worked, but also looking at what can be done differently, what can be done more effectively and how resources can be allocated more effectively,” said GPS spokeswoman Valda Valbrun.

Garrison’s new principal, Kimberly Kimber, is no stranger to Baltimore city. The Western High School graduate said she’s ready for her assignment.

“Of course learning will continue to take place. We are still following the state curriculum. The thing that is different is that we have more resources. We have kind of more hands in the pot, and because I’m a collaborative leader, I don’t mind having additional resources and additional help to put our heads together,” Kimber said.

Parents said they’re willing to the give the new company and its concept a try. “The person that recommended this school from the Department of Education spoke highly of this school and the support team here. I’m hoping they can help,” said parent Phillip Stokes-El. The New York-based company has a three-year contract with city schools.

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