Harford County public raises calls for accountability as board cites multiple investigations into former superintendent

The Harford County Board of Education hearing on Jan. 12 drew sustained public pressure for accountability after the board acknowledged multiple inquiries into the conduct of the former superintendent.

Board members and staff repeatedly referred to ongoing reviews. A board member thanked “the inspector general’s swift investigation into the matter surrounding our superintendent,” and the chair told the public, “There are currently 2 independent investigations under foundation of trust.” The full inspector general report was posted online during the meeting, the board said.

Public comment was dominated by criticism of the board’s handling of the situation and calls for firmer action. “The superintendent on government funds made poor decisions, reckless actions toward government property, immoral behavior, negligent handling of proprietary information, and then tried to cover it all up,” said Bill Martino, speaking for Moms for Liberty, who urged immediate replacement of the superintendent. Other speakers called for termination rather than resignation and pressed for an independent investigation of the board itself. “We need transparency to clean up this mess,” Martino said.

Teachers, parents and other community members described a mix of operational concerns and broader mistrust. Crystal Ruffinette, a teacher at Halls Crossroads Elementary School, said the last week had been difficult for staff and urged the board to navigate the district’s review process “in a respectful and sensitive manner.” Several commenters tied calls for accountability to wider concerns about student safety, curriculum transparency and fiscal oversight.

Board members acknowledged the public’s concerns while urging measured process. The chair said the district must “take allegations seriously, ensuring proper processes are followed and protecting both the integrity of this district and the rights of all individuals involved.” A board member said she would reserve judgment until outstanding investigations and the county auditor’s review were complete.

What happens next: the board said the I.G. report was posted online and that additional county-level and independent reviews are in progress. Members of the public said they expect the board to pursue firmer discipline, and several urged voters to hold board members accountable in the upcoming election cycle.

The board did not take any formal personnel action at the Jan. 12 meeting; multiple speakers asked for a separate, independent review and for transparency about findings and next steps.