Harford County board hears hours of public comment on Patriot Program changes; adopts resolution to preserve original volunteer program

At its Jan. 27 business meeting, the Board of Education of Harford County faced sustained public comment over proposed changes to the county’s 30‑year Patriot Program and voted in favor of a board resolution directing that the existing volunteer/parent‑led Patriot Program remain available at participating schools.

The dispute drew dozens of public speakers and sustained comment from community groups, veterans, parents and students. Superintendent Dr. Bolsom introduced a presentation from curriculum staff explaining a plan to “elevate and amplify” the Patriot Program by embedding civic strands into pre‑K–5 classroom instruction so all students would have access to core civics content. Erin Lang, Supervisor of Social Studies, said the goal was to make the program “too important to be optional.”

Why it matters: Supporters of the existing Patriot Program said the program encourages memorization, civic pride, community engagement and provides awards, field trips and assemblies that families value. Opponents of the operational change voiced concern that moving program elements into classroom time could reduce the volunteer‑driven, extracurricular recognition that older community members and PTAs have supported for decades. Board members said they must weigh instructional time, equity of access and community expectations.

What presenters told the board

Thomas Smith, Director…