Hunt Valley, Md. (WBFF) — The Maryland State Board of Education has dismissed an appeal from a parent group claiming Baltimore County Public Schools’ $2.5 billion budget was passed improperly.
But this fight over accountability is not over.
“Disappointed, but hopeful,” said Amy Adams as she described her reaction to the order, released Wednesday, by the Maryland State Board of Education.
The order, signed by Board President Joshua Michael, dismissed an appeal Adams helped file claiming Baltimore County Public Schools’ fiscal year 2027 budget was passed illegally.
“We didn’t get an opinion on the merit or the substance of our appeal,” stated Adams. “It was a ruling on a technicality that our organization lacked direct standing. So, I think we have options moving forward.”
ALSO READ || Maryland Board of Education dismisses appeal of Baltimore County’s $2.5B budget vote
The Baltimore County Board of Education, in February, voted 7-4 to approve a $2.5 billion budget for the upcoming school year. Board Member Robin Harvey was one of the seven “yes” votes, which was required for approval.
The Maryland State Board of Education explained, “The Appellant lacks standing to bring this action” (WBFF)
But Project Baltimore first reported in March that Harvey, prior to the vote, had already registered as a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates. And Maryland education code states a Baltimore County school board member “may not be a candidate“ for “local, State or federal government.”
Following Fox45’s reporting, The Baltimore County Parent and Student Coalition, Adams is the president, filed an appeal with the Maryland State Department of Education challenging the legality of the budget vote.
“This budget matters,” said Adams. “For 108,000 kids and 20,000 employees and the taxpayers of Baltimore County. We want to see our school outcomes improve for the children’s sake and for our community’s sake.”
The Baltimore County Parent and Student Coalition filed an appeal with the Maryland State Department of Education challenging the legality of the budget vote (WBFF)
In dismissing the appeal, the Maryland State Board of Education explained, “The Appellant lacks standing to bring this action.” In other words, the appeal was dismissed because it was determined Adams’ group did not have the legal grounds to file the appeal. The appeal itself, which claimed BCPS’ $2.5 billion budget was passed illegally, was not ruled on.
Legal precedent, according to the order, states the organization filing the appeal must have a “direct interest or an injury” resulting from the action – and an “individual” has to “be personally and specifically affected.” The appeal was not filed by an individual, it was filed by a group, the Baltimore County Parent and Student Coalition.
ALSO READ || Baltimore County parent coalition appeals $2.5B school budget, claims illegal vote
“We’re just trying to make sure the laws that are on the books are upheld,” stated Adams.
Adams now says her group is looking to amend the appeal to include appellants who have standing. She tells Fox45 News she hopes to have the appeal re-filed in the coming days.
Legal precedent, according to the order, states the organization filing the appeal must have a “direct interest or an injury” resulting from the action (WBFF)
“We expect that in schools that laws and rules and policies that are on the books are enforced equally across the board, so that we can all raise each other to the same standards and have functioning schools and communities,” remarked Adams.
Baltimore County’s budget, which includes funding for BCPS, has already been presented to County Council. The Councilmembers have until June to approve it.
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