Baltimore County school board adds safeguards after improper $2.5 billion budget vote

The Baltimore County Board of Education is taking steps to prevent future budget approval errors after a FOX45 News investigation revealed the $2.5 billion fiscal year 2027 budget was passed improperly, WBFF reported.

In February, the budget passed with a 7-4 vote, requiring all seven votes for approval. However, it was later found that one board member who voted yes had registered as a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, which violates a 2014 Maryland state law prohibiting school board members from being candidates for local, state, or federal government positions, according to Project Baltimore.

Following the investigation, Board Chair Jane Lichter sent a letter outlining new safeguards to ensure such errors do not recur. The board is correcting its policies and informing incoming board members about these changes, WBFF reported.

Amy Adams of the Baltimore County Parent and Student Coalition expressed support for the board's response, stating the board acted rationally and transparently to address the issue.

The changes come eight months after Project Baltimore first exposed the improper budget vote, marking a significant step in improving governance and compliance within Baltimore County Public Schools.