The City Neighbors Foundation CoUncil
WE ARE seeking new members to join our City Neighbors Foundation Board of Directors.
If you would like to join our Board, complete this application as soon as possible. Our first application deadline is November 21, 2025, with a second deadline on January 16, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so don’t wait – apply today!
About us
The City Neighbors Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that works to support three arts-integrated, project-based public charter schools in northeast Baltimore (City Neighbors Charter School K-8, City Neighbors Hamilton K-8, and City Neighbors High School) and to impact public education in Baltimore and beyond by providing robust professional development opportunities for educators and inspiring others to create child-centered, progressive classrooms and schools.
Founded by a group of parents who asked, “If you could have the 'Best School You Can Imagine,' what would it be?” City Neighbors has been a pillar in the Baltimore community since 2005. At City Neighbors, we see children as creative, capable, powerful, and deserving of the deepest respect. This student-centered belief is rooted in the ideals of the progressive education tradition and serves as the foundation for our commitment to arts integration, project-based learning, our Reggio-Emilia inspiration, the workshop model, our high school pod structure, attention to the physical environment, and cooperative governance. At City Neighbors, we take a firm, progressive stance on education. You can read more about it here.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for dedicated and talented individuals who are willing to lend their time, resources, and expertise to support City Neighbors. In particular, we are looking for individuals who:
Are aligned with the mission and vision of City Neighbors
Are willing to commit their time and energy to tackle meaningful work for our organization
Are good communicators, strategic thinkers, and consensus builders
Have connections and relationships in our Baltimore or educational community
Are committed to equity, belonging, and creating a more just world
Have Experience in leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and/or fundraising preferred but not required.
Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for leadership roles if they don’t meet every listed qualification. At City Neighbors, we encourage all who are passionate about our mission and committed to equitable, joyful public education to apply—even if you don’t match every area of expertise listed. Your perspective and lived experience are valuable contributions to our board.
Key Responsibilities:
Spend 5-10 hours per month on board work, including attending 6 board meetings per year, including a summer retreat, and actively participating in at least one board committee (Governance, Finance, Human Capital, Fundraising)
Help guide the Foundation’s strategic vision, mission alignment, and long-term sustainability.
Support fundraising and resource mobilization efforts, organizational health, and long-term sustainability.
Help expand relationships with donors, community partners, and other allies.
For any questions, please email skossoy@cityneighbors.org.
Currently, City Neighbors Foundation is governed by a member’s council which consists of representatives from each City Neighbors school. The Foundation Council works to ensure the City Neighbors Foundation continues to live into its mission and vision.
FOUNDATION COUNCIL Members, 2025-26:
City Neighbors Charter School, (est. 2005):
Charmaine Turner, CNCS Board President
Vicki Almon, Staff Representative
Charletta McLean, Parent Representative
Brigette Cottman, Principal
City Neighbors Hamilton, (est. 2009):
Mary Alice Yeskey, CNH Board President
Elise Gillespie, Parent Representative
Jabari Bush, Principal
City Neighbors High School, (est. 2010):
Jessica McGuire, CNHS Board President
Craig Stephenson, Parent Representative
Sadia Shahzad, Staff Representative
Cheyanne Zahrt, Principal