Born into a proud legacy of teaching and learning, Karl E. Perry lives by a deeply personal philosophy: every student deserves to be seen, valued, and cared for as if they were his own. A third-generation educator, Karl’s life has always been grounded in faith, love, and service—love for his wife, his four remarkable children, his grandson Reuben, and the countless students and educators he has supported throughout his career.
For Karl, education is not simply a profession—it is a calling and a sacred responsibility. He believes that a quality education, rooted in dignity and opportunity, is the foundation for every dream. Guided by his faith and a deep respect for the dignity of all people, Karl strives to uplift, empower, and believe in others—especially when they struggle to believe in themselves. “There is no one on this earth better than you,” he often tells his students. “So go prove it.”
Karl was elected Secretary-Treasurer of AFSA at its 17th Triennial Convention in July 2025, after serving as a General Vice President beginning in 2022. As a proud union leader, he champions solidarity and fairness, believing that when workers stand together, they not only secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions, but also strengthen the very schools and communities they serve.
Mr. Perry has served 26 years with the Public School Administrators and Supervisors Association of Baltimore City (PSASA), including four as Vice President and currently as President, where he helped negotiate groundbreaking contracts. He also serves as Vice President of the Maryland Federation of School Administrators.
A dedicated educator for 33 years—27 as an administrator—Karl has served in nearly every role within Baltimore City Public Schools: teacher, assistant principal, and principal. A former Teacher of the Year, he began his career at Dr. Lillie Mae Jackson Elementary and helped launch one of Baltimore’s first school-based programs for students with emotional disorders at Garrison Middle School. He later served at Chinquapin Middle and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute before becoming Principal of Calverton Middle School—then Maryland’s lowest-performing school. Under his leadership, Calverton experienced rising test scores, renewed pride, and critical facility improvements.
His journey briefly took him to Philadelphia following a national search to serve as Principal of Olney High, the city’s most culturally diverse school, before returning to Baltimore to found Renaissance Academy, where he was honored as Maryland’s first Service-Learning Principal of the Year and a national MetLife Ambassador in Education.
In 2012, Karl took the helm at Edmondson Westside High School, restoring school climate and academic focus. Promoted in 2015 to Chief of School Supports for Baltimore City Schools, he oversaw Climate, Attendance, Athletics, the Ombudsman, and School Police. After a serious accident in 2016, he stepped back to recover—but returned in 2017 to lead Edmondson once again until his recent departure to focus solely on leading PSASA.
A proud Calvert Hall graduate in Towson, Karl holds a B.A. in Psychology from West Virginia University and an M.A. in Special Education from Coppin State University. He also has earned a certificate in Labor Relations from the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations. His journey continues to be guided by faith, family, and a steadfast belief that solidarity and education can transform lives.