URGENT UPDATE: A shocking new report from the Maryland Inspector General’s office reveals that the Somerset County School Board has violated state law in its recent attorney hiring practices. This alarming disclosure comes after the board’s decisions to fire its former legal counsel and hire a new attorney were made in closed sessions, bypassing mandatory public voting requirements.
The report, released on November 13, 2023, confirms that the board not only ignored its own policies but also evaded established competitive bidding rules. Specifically, the board failed to solicit the necessary bids for legal services valued between $50,000 and $100,000 for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Instead, they made critical decisions behind closed doors on February 13, 2025, in direct violation of Maryland law.
In a startling admission, the report states,
“The Inspector General has identified issues of concern and will report them to the Governor, the General Assembly, the State Board of Education, and the State Superintendent of Schools.”
This raises significant questions about governance and accountability within the Somerset County educational system.
The report comes on the heels of ongoing financial mismanagement issues that have plagued the school board for over a decade. Earlier audits by the Maryland Office of Legislative Audits highlighted critical shortcomings, including a lack of written contracts and inadequate purchasing oversight. The board’s procurement policies remain outdated and inconsistent with state law, despite promises for reform.
The implications of this report extend beyond legal technicalities; they reflect a broader pattern of governance problems. In a recent conflict, the board attempted to terminate Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell, the district’s superintendent, but that decision was halted by State Superintendent Carey M. Wright while an appeal was pending. Tasker-Mitchell eventually agreed to step down in late October, further shaking the foundation of the board’s leadership.
The investigation was triggered by multiple complaints in March 2025 regarding the board’s hiring practices. State law mandates that local boards must follow strict procurement rules, including obtaining at least two bids for legal contracts. The Somerset board’s actions not only flout these regulations but also undermine public trust in the educational system.
As this situation unfolds, it remains unclear when the findings will be addressed by the General Assembly or the State Superintendent. Meanwhile, Somerset County’s performance continues to lag, with the district ranking just above Baltimore City on the Maryland Report Card with a score of 46.5, down from 47.16 last year.
The urgency of the Inspector General’s report emphasizes the need for immediate reforms within the Somerset County School Board. As parents and students await clarity, the community is left grappling with the ramifications of these governance failures.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
