September 16, 2025

Educators in Baltimore Face Payment Delays from LTYC

News Summary

As the new school year starts, Baltimore educators report significant financial hardships stemming from unpaid services with the nonprofit Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center. Many, including dance and media arts instructors, are owed thousands of dollars and are struggling with bills and evictions. While LTYC cites reimbursement issues, educators express frustration and mistrust, leading to some seeking new job opportunities amidst ongoing financial strain.

Baltimore

As the new school year begins in Baltimore, many educators are facing financial hardships as they report not receiving payments for services rendered during the previous school year. Numerous educators, particularly those contracting with the nonprofit Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center (LTYC), are owed substantial amounts, with some claiming debts reaching thousands of dollars.

Payment Issues Affecting Educators

Jermaine Melvin, a dance instructor, alleges that LTYC owes him $9,000 for work completed in May and June. Other educators echo similar concerns, with reports indicating some individuals facing eviction or struggling to pay their bills. Melvin has already received notifications of intent to evict and has noticed a drastic decline in his credit score. Another contractor, Cedric Benning, who teaches media arts, shares that he has not paid his bills in months and is now dealing with pressure from debt collectors.

LTYC’s Financial Difficulties

According to Dr. Dermell Brunson, one of the owners of LTYC, the delays in payments are attributed to late reimbursements from partnering schools and vendors. He indicated that the organization is currently owed approximately $350,000 from various partners. In contrast, Baltimore City schools claim they have disbursed over $605,000 to LTYC. They, however, state that LTYC has $31,266 in unpaid invoices due to exceeding the scope of their purchase order. The schools maintain that the responsibility for any payment delays falls entirely on LTYC.

Unpaid Amounts and Educator Impacts

Reports indicate a range of amounts owed to different contractors, with some individuals waiting for payments anywhere from $2,000 to as much as $17,000. A number of educators have resorted to starting online fundraisers in an attempt to alleviate their financial predicaments. Meanwhile, LTYC’s contract with Baltimore City Schools has been extended through June 2026, now totaling $7.5 million after a $3 million increase.

State Oversight and Educational Contracts

The situation has attracted scrutiny, with the state inspector general for education reportedly conducting interviews regarding the payment issues. LTYC has highlighted that its instructors are classified as independent contractors, and these individuals were made aware of the possibility of payment delays at the outset of their contracts. Despite this acknowledgment, many educators express growing frustration over their contracts and LTYC’s management of payments, stating that trust in the organization has eroded significantly.

Finding New Opportunities Amidst Financial Strain

Amidst this turmoil, some educators are seeking new employment opportunities within the school system while still awaiting payment from LTYC for work already completed. Despite ongoing efforts, many are facing financial strain and emotional distress as they navigate the fallout from LTYC’s failure to meet its payment obligations.

Conclusion

The ongoing payment issues affecting educators within Baltimore paint a concerning picture of administrative challenges within LTYC and its relationship with the city’s public schools. As critical funds remain unallocated and educators suffer from the consequences, the situation highlights the broader implications for contractual obligations and the support of independent contractors in the educational sector.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER

BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.

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