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State education committee backs republishing rules for local board removal appeals
Summary
The committee recommended republishing proposed COMAR amendments that clarify who may file removal requests against local board members, shorten consolidation timelines, set response windows and allow state-initiated charges; the measure was recommended unanimously to the full board.
The Maryland State Board of EducationEducation Policy Committee on Jan. 8 recommended that the full board grant permission to republish proposed amendments to the appeals regulation governing removal of local board of education members.
Zach Hands, State Board executive director, told the committee staff conducted a comprehensive review of the appeals regulations and proposed several targeted changes. The draft would explicitly allow a local school system employee or a parent or guardian of an enrolled student—not just a county resident—to submit a request to remove a local board member. "Right now, the language only says a resident of the county," Hands said, explaining the recommended clarifying change.
Hands described other changes meant to streamline the process: the consolidation period for additional filings would be reduced from 30 days to 15 days, and the draft would establish a 30-day window for local board members to respond after charges are issued. The draft also permits the board to consider additional evidence "furnished by the state superintendent, Office of the Inspector General for Education, or other public agencies" where material, and it formally establishes a process for state board-initiated charges to remove a local board member.
Board member Chesterfield asked about the role of the Office of Administrative Hearings; Hands clarified that OAH is a separate state agency that conducts fact-finding and hearings for state entities, including the State Board. A committee member welcomed the expansion of eligible filers to parents and local employees as an important clarification.
Mister Chesterfield moved to recommend permission to republish the appeals regulation; Doctor Goldson seconded the motion. The committee voted unanimously to send the proposed regulation back for publication and public comment.
The committee's recommendation is a procedural step; any final regulatory changes would require review and formal action by the full State Board after public comment.
