A recent report from the Maryland Inspector General’s office reveals significant violations by the Somerset County School Board regarding the termination and hiring of legal counsel. The findings indicate that the board not only contravened state law but also disregarded its own policies during these processes.
The report, released on November 13, 2023, states that the board acted improperly by making crucial decisions, such as firing its former attorney and hiring a new one, during closed sessions instead of in public meetings. This breach of protocol was compounded by the board’s failure to adhere to required competitive bidding processes, which mandate that contracts valued between $50,000 and $100,000 must be subject to at least two bids.
The Inspector General’s findings will be forwarded to the Governor, the General Assembly, the State Board of Education, and the State Superintendent of Schools, driving further scrutiny of the board’s actions.
Details of the Violations
On February 13, 2025, the Somerset school board conducted votes to terminate its existing legal counsel and to hire new representation, both during a closed session. This procedure directly contradicts Maryland law, which stipulates that such actions must occur in an open session. Additionally, the report highlights that the board failed to follow its own hiring policy, which requires a public advertisement for legal counsel positions and the establishment of a selection committee made up of a quorum of board members and staff members.
The Inspector General’s office initiated its investigation following multiple complaints received in March 2025 regarding the board’s hiring practices. This investigation has unveiled a broader pattern of governance issues within the Somerset County Public Schools, which has faced criticism for its financial management practices over the past decade.
Long-standing Governance Issues
In October 2023, the Maryland Office of Legislative Audits indicated that the Somerset school board had not rectified numerous financial management problems, including a lack of written contracts and inadequate purchasing oversight. Auditors noted that the district’s procurement policies remain outdated and inconsistent with state law, despite assurances from board members that reforms would be implemented.
The board has also experienced internal conflict, notably with its superintendent, Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell. Earlier this year, the board attempted to terminate her contract, but this decision was halted by State Superintendent Carey M. Wright pending an appeal. In late October, an agreement was reached, resulting in Tasker-Mitchell’s departure from the position.
The implications of the Inspector General’s report extend beyond legal compliance; they raise concerns about the overall governance and educational performance within the district. In the recent Maryland Report Card, Somerset County ranked second-to-last in the state, receiving a score of 46.5, slightly down from 47.16 the previous year. Only Baltimore City performed worse, with a score of 44.99.
As the Somerset County School Board faces scrutiny over its legal decisions and governance practices, the upcoming discussions with state authorities will be pivotal in determining the future direction of the district and its leadership.
