HUNT VALLEY, Md. (WBFF) — A legal battle over Baltimore County Public Schools’ $2.5 billion budget continues, even after the budget has already taken effect. What happens next is anyone’s guess.
“Have you received any indication on when a finding may be issued on your appeal?” Project Baltimore’s Chris Papst asked Baltimore County resident Amy Adams.
“I wish I did, but I don’t,” Adams replied. “The timing of it is unfortunate, a little awkward, but this is where we are.”
Adams is still waiting for an answer from the Maryland State Department of Education regarding her claim that Baltimore County Public Schools’ roughly $2.5 billion budget, for fiscal year 2027, was passed illegally – a budget that took effect last week, on July 1.
Baltimore County Public Schools’ roughly $2.5 billion budget took effect on July 1 (WBFF)
In February, the Baltimore County Board of Education voted 7-4 to approve a budget for the upcoming school year. Board member Robin Harvey was one of the seven “yes” votes required for approval.
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In March, Project Baltimore broke the news that Harvey, prior to the vote, registered as a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates – which appears to be a violation of state law which states a Baltimore County school board member “may not be a candidate“ for “local, State or federal government.”
Later in March, following FOX45 News’ reporting, Adams’ group, The Baltimore County Parent and Student Coalition, filed an appeal with MSDE challenging the legality of the budget vote.
In April, that initial appeal was dismissed by the state which claimed the appellants lacked standing. The appeal was then amended and refiled. It’s now July, and the budget took effect on the first of the month, but the state has yet to issue a ruling on the appeal.
In late March, The Baltimore County Parent and Student Coalition filed an appeal with MSDE challenging the legality of the budget vote (WBFF)
“Has anyone explained to you what the potential ramifications could be if the budget was found to have been passed improperly?” Papst questioned.
“No,” responded Adams. “That’s kind of the point that we were getting after. It’s unprecedented.”
Project Baltimore emailed the state asking, “When does MSDE expect a finding on the appeal to be issued? Is MSDE concerned of the ramifications if a budget that has already taken effect is found to have been passed improperly? What would those potential ramifications be?”
The Maryland State Department of Education replied, “Filings related to the case are currently under review by the State Board of Education; we have no comment on this pending matter.”
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“We had hoped that there had been a resolution before July 1st,” remarked Adams. “I’m not surprised that wheels turned slower than that in government and in big organizations.”
The Maryland State Department of Education’s response to Project Baltimore asking when the state expects to issue a finding on the appeal (WBFF)
Meanwhile, Harvey, whose budget vote sparked the appeal, finished second in the primary election for Maryland House of Delegates District 10 in Baltimore County. District 10 is represented by three delegates. According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, no Republicans are running in November – meaning, it appears Harvey will soon be casting votes in Annapolis as we await a decision over her final vote in Baltimore County.
“The intention is just to make sure that our elected officials are following the policies and rules in place. That’s what we want. Accountability,” concluded Adams.
Many of the people who largely wrote BCPS’ contested budget are gone. Former superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers retired mid-contract on June 30th. BCPS Chief Legal Counsel Margaret-Ann Howie and Chief Operations Officers Jess Grim both retired after the budget was passed.
Follow Project Baltimore’s Chris Papst on X and Facebook. Send news tips to cjpapst@sbgtv.com
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