Harford’s Elected School Board Bills Finally Filed

Despite the drama of last week, the Harford County Delegation got some business done and filed bills on the elected school board. HB 639 was filed as a delegation bill and has a hearing set for Tuesday, February 17th at 1 P.M. before the House Ways and Means Committee. The House bill was cross-filed with SB 629, sponsored by Senators Barry Glassman, Nancy Jacobs and Andy Harris.

The proposed legislation creates a blended school board, with 6 members elected within each of the six county council districts and 3 members appointed by the Governor. Each member will serve a term of four years, with a two-term limit. Terms will be staggered to provide continuity to the board. The bill also outlines the transition from a fully appointed to a blended board, with the first elections to be held in Districts A, B and D in 2010.

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Tags: annapolis, board of education, delegation, elected, senate

Rigged?: Del. Mary-Dulany James’ Curiously-Worded Constituent Survey on School Board Elections

Why won’t Delegate Mary-Dulany James just admit she opposes school board elections? If it’s because the Delegate from District 34A shares school board member Mark Wolkow’s dim view of democracy, she’s wise to keep her opinions to herself.

Clearly, Wolkow is working with someone in the State Legislature to craft an alternative to elections. Most likely it’s James – they’ve worked together on this issue in the past. But if Wolkow and James are planning a battle against the tide of public support for elections, they’ll need new ammunition.

Tags: annapolis, appointed, board of education, Cecil County, elected, general assembly, Mary-Dulany James