Betsey Hobelmann is the newest member to join the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) Board of Directors. On December 7, 2023, she attended her first Board meeting at Govans Elementary School. Here, she shares her enthusiasm for her new role and for Baltimore City’s charter schools.   

Q: What does it mean to you to serve on the BCP board? 

Serving on the BCP Board is an honor. I am a strong supporter of charter schools in Baltimore. The fact that BCP has six schools serving many different neighborhoods and families means that thousands of people are affected by a strong foundational education. There is a divide between the offerings of the public and private schools in the area and I want to help ensure that all children have equal opportunities. 

Q: How is this service different from your other civic/volunteer activities?

I do a lot of volunteer work with private schools in fundraising and governance. BCP is different because they serve a much larger population and are more newly established. The charter school model is quite different because the schools are a part of Baltimore City Schools yet have more autonomy to act as community, neighborhood schools. I am serving on BCP’s Education Committee and learning more about Direct Instruction. 

Q: How did you learn about BCP and how did you get involved on the board?

I have been friends with Mike Niccolini [Board Co-Chair] for many years. Our families even travel together! When I helped open a separate charter school in 2015, Mike gave me great advice and counsel. Over the years we have discussed many ideas around charter schools, and he has been hounding me to join the BCP board for a while. I found myself in a position to join, and I’m very grateful. Working with a charter organization that has been around for 25 years is certainly inspiring.

About Betsey:

Breadth of work experience that connects with BCP’s mission and work, including with Ketchum Public Relations, in special events with British bank Robert Fleming & Co., and two years teaching middle school at Queen Anne School in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Extensive volunteer experience:

• Board member, auction chair, and other roles at Calvert School
• Development Committee Member, Ashley Addiction Treatment
• Past volunteer with Johns Hopkins Medical Auxiliary, Baltimore School for the Arts, Roland Park Country School, Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys

B.A., History of Art, Yale University