UPDATE: A new report from the Maryland Inspector General’s office reveals that the Somerset County School Board has violated state law in its handling of legal counsel decisions. The findings, released on November 13, 2025, highlight serious misconduct involving the firing of former attorney and hiring of new counsel without adhering to legally mandated procedures.
The Inspector General’s report indicates that the board took official action—including voting to terminate a legal contract and approve a new one—in closed session, which directly contravenes Maryland law that mandates such votes occur in public. This shocking revelation raises significant concerns about transparency and accountability within the board.
The report outlines that the Somerset board bypassed essential competitive bidding rules, failing to solicit the required two bids for contracts valued between $50,000 and $100,000, as stipulated by state procurement regulations. Instead, during the same February 13 meeting, the board hastily terminated its previous attorney and appointed new legal counsel without following the proper process.
“The Inspector General has identified issues of concern and will report them to the Governor, the General Assembly, the State Board of Education, and the State Superintendent of Schools,” the report states, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
This incident marks a continuation of troubling patterns within the school board. Previous audits by the Maryland Office of Legislative Audits revealed longstanding financial management issues, including a lack of written contracts, weak purchasing oversight, and unsupported vendor payments. Despite ongoing promises for reform, the district’s procurement policies remain outdated and inconsistent with state law.
The school board has also faced internal turmoil, notably with former superintendent Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell. Earlier this year, the board attempted to terminate her but was blocked by State Superintendent Carey M. Wright. In late October, an agreement was reached, leading to Tasker-Mitchell’s resignation.
The Inspector General’s investigation was prompted by multiple complaints received in March 2025, questioning the legitimacy of the board’s legal hiring practices. Local boards are permitted to hire their own attorneys, but they must comply with Maryland’s procurement rules to ensure fairness and transparency.
As the implications of this report unfold, the school board’s actions will be scrutinized further during discussions with the General Assembly and the State Superintendent. There is currently no timeline for when this report will be addressed publicly.
This troubling news comes as Somerset County struggles academically, ranking second-to-last in Maryland’s Report Card with a score of 46.5, just above Baltimore City at 44.99. These scores reflect a range of factors, including standardized test results and graduation rates, underscoring the urgent need for effective leadership and management within the district.
The community is urged to pay close attention to the developments as this situation evolves. With potential legal repercussions and ongoing oversight from state authorities, the future of Somerset County’s educational governance is in jeopardy.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical situation.
