The Harford County Board of Education has hit a snag in its attempt to fill a sudden vacancy after the resignation of its former president, Aaron Poynton. County Executive Bob Cassilly's nominee, Terri Kocher, a former board member, was rejected by the Harford County Council, sending the search for a replacement back to square one. The presence of a gaping seat on the board threatens to leave deliberations on Superintendent Sean Bulson’s contract renewal, which faces a looming March 1 deadline, in a potential deadlock.
According to a report by FOX Baltimore, Bulson, whose leadership is hanging in the balance, was placed on administrative leave following a theft report that surfaced during a work trip to New Orleans in 2024. Interestingly, the ongoing investigation has cleared Bulson of any misconduct, as mentioned in a recent report by the Harford County inspector general. His office stated that it's Bulson's responsibility to communicate the details of the robbery incident to the public.
Cassilly's office released a statement criticizing the council's decision and defending Kocher’s suitability for the board. "Our beloved public schools have been disgraced by the actions of Superintendent Bulson. Amid this chaos, Terri Kocher stepped forward as a steady hand with a wealth of knowledge and a record of fiscal responsibility from her prior service on the school board," expressed in a statement obtained by WBALTV. He also declared intentions to approach the Maryland superintendent of schools to seek Bulson's removal.
Nevertheless, the council opted to reject Kocher, with Councilmember Alison Imhoff playing a pivotal role, stating that a thorough exploration of options was needed. "In a time where our county has lost so much faith in our BoE and HCPS leadership- this is the time to choose the best person, not the most convenient," Imhoff said in an email, as detailed by WBALTV, expressing the sentiments of parents eager to move forward with the best candidate possible. Currently, Dyann Mack has taken over as acting superintendent in the wake of the controversy and the unresolved superintendent contract situation.
Those interested in applying for the school board vacancy may do so on the county website, as encouraged by Cassilly following the council's decision.
