UPDATE: A shocking report from the Maryland Inspector General’s office reveals that the Somerset County School Board has violated state laws and its own policies regarding the firing and hiring of legal counsel. The report, released on November 13, 2023, outlines significant concerns that are poised to impact the local education system and potentially lead to further scrutiny from state officials.
The investigation was prompted by multiple complaints received in March 2025. It concluded that the school board acted unlawfully during a closed session on February 13, 2025, when it voted to terminate its previous legal counsel and hire a new attorney without adhering to mandatory competitive bidding rules. According to the report, state law requires at least two bids for contracts valued between $50,000 and $100,000, a threshold the board failed to meet.
The Inspector General’s report states:
“The board took official actions in closed sessions that should have been conducted in public, violating state law.”
This raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in the governance of Somerset County Public Schools, which already ranked second-to-last in the state with a score of 46.5 in this year’s Maryland Report Card.
Authorities have indicated that the findings will be reported to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the State Board of Education, escalating the urgency of the situation. The ongoing issues within the school board are part of a troubling trend; an October audit revealed that the board has yet to address long-standing financial management problems, including a lack of written contracts and weak purchasing oversight.
Earlier this year, tensions escalated between the school board and its former superintendent, Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell. The board attempted to terminate her position, but this decision was halted by State Superintendent Carey M. Wright while an appeal was underway. Following a recent agreement, Tasker-Mitchell stepped down in late October, further complicating the board’s reputation and stability.
The Inspector General’s office attempted to interview several board members, including Matthew Lankford and Andrew Gleason, but these requests were declined by the board’s current legal counsel, raising additional concerns about accountability.
As this situation continues to unfold, the Somerset County School Board faces increased scrutiny and potential reforms. The report has not only highlighted specific violations but has also underscored a broader systemic failure within the district, necessitating immediate attention from state officials.
Next steps: The General Assembly and the State Superintendent are expected to further evaluate these findings, which could lead to significant changes in how the Somerset County School Board operates. This developing story will have implications not only for the board members involved but also for the students and families relying on a stable and effective educational environment.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities respond to this urgent situation.
