A recent report from the Maryland Inspector General’s Office has revealed that the Somerset County School Board violated state laws and its own policies in the process of terminating its former legal counsel and selecting a new attorney. The findings, published on November 13, 2023, indicate serious lapses in governance, prompting the Inspector General to notify the Governor, the General Assembly, the State Board of Education, and the State Superintendent of Schools about these concerns.
Among the report’s key conclusions is the board’s decision to vote on the termination of its previous attorney and the hiring of a new one during a closed session, a breach of Maryland’s open meeting laws. The Inspector General’s report also noted that the board did not adhere to mandatory competitive bidding processes, which require at least two bids for legal services valued between $50,000 and $100,000. This range reflects the budget allocated for legal services in the fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
Details of the Violations
On February 13, 2025, the Somerset school board convened in a closed session where they voted to dismiss their existing legal counsel. Subsequently, they approved the hiring of a new firm, also in closed session. This action contravenes state law, which mandates that both the hiring and firing of legal counsel must occur in an open meeting. Furthermore, the board’s own policies dictate a thorough process for hiring legal counsel, which includes advertising the vacancy, soliciting qualifications, and conducting interviews with a committee comprised of board members and staff. This standard procedure was not followed, and the board’s actions were completed within the same meeting.
The report underscores a pattern of governance issues within the Somerset County School Board, highlighting ongoing financial management problems that have persisted for over a decade. The Maryland Office of Legislative Audits previously flagged concerns regarding inadequate written contracts, insufficient oversight in purchasing, and unverified vendor payments. Despite promises of reform, the board’s procurement policies remain outdated and inconsistent with state laws.
Ongoing Leadership Challenges
Compounding these legal issues, the board has faced internal conflicts, particularly with its superintendent, Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell. Earlier this year, the board voted to terminate her, but the decision was suspended by State Superintendent Carey M. Wright pending an appeal. In late October, an agreement was reached, resulting in Dr. Tasker-Mitchell’s resignation.
The Inspector General’s investigation was initiated after receiving numerous complaints in March 2025 regarding the board’s hiring practices for legal counsel. While local boards have the authority to select their own attorneys, they must comply with Maryland’s procurement regulations. The lack of adherence to these rules raises questions about the board’s governance standards and accountability.
The report does not specify when the findings will be discussed with the General Assembly or the State Superintendent. In the 2023 Maryland Report Card, Somerset County ranked second to last among school systems in the state, scoring 46.5, a slight decline from 47.16 the previous year. Only Baltimore City received a lower score at 44.99, with the ratings based on a scale of 0-100 that incorporates standardized test results, curriculum effectiveness, attendance, graduation rates, and feedback from students and educators.
The Inspector General’s findings serve as a critical reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in school governance, particularly in matters as significant as legal representation.
