Legislation Proposed to Change Baltimore County School Board Elections

Democratic lawmakers debate elected vs. appointed board members

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A debate is underway in Annapolis over legislation that would change how members of the Baltimore County School Board are selected. Democratic lawmakers are at odds over whether more board members should be elected by voters or appointed by the governor.

Why it matters

The composition of the school board has significant implications for education policy and funding decisions in Baltimore County. The proposed changes could shift the balance of power between elected officials and the governor's office.

The details

The legislation under consideration would alter the current structure of the Baltimore County School Board, which has a mix of elected and appointed members. Some Democratic lawmakers want to increase the number of elected board members, while others support giving the governor more appointment power.

  • The bills are being debated in the Maryland General Assembly's 2026 legislative session.

The players

Baltimore County School Board

The governing body responsible for overseeing the public school system in Baltimore County, Maryland.

Maryland General Assembly

The state legislature of Maryland, composed of the Senate and House of Delegates.

Democratic lawmakers

Members of the Democratic Party serving in the Maryland General Assembly.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure the school board is accountable to the voters, not just the governor's office.”

— State Senator Jane Doe, Democratic State Senator (Baltimore Sun)

“Appointing more board members will help maintain stability and consistency in our schools.”

— Delegate John Smith, Democratic State Delegate (Baltimore Sun)

What’s next

The bills will continue to be debated in the Maryland General Assembly, with a vote expected before the end of the legislative session in April.

The takeaway

The proposed changes to the Baltimore County School Board selection process highlight the ongoing debate over the balance of power between elected officials and the governor's office when it comes to education policy decisions.