Somerset School Board Faces Scrutiny Over Legal Hiring Violations

A recent report from the Maryland Inspector General’s office has revealed that the Somerset County School Board violated state law and its own policies during the dismissal of its former attorney and the hiring of new legal counsel. The report, issued on November 13, 2025, indicates serious breaches in procedural conduct, including conducting votes concerning legal counsel in closed sessions rather than the mandated public settings.

The findings point to multiple infractions, including the board’s failure to adhere to competitive bidding rules. After terminating its previous attorney, the board hired a new firm during the same meeting without soliciting bids, which contravenes Maryland’s procurement regulations. According to the state law, contracts valued between $50,000 and $100,000 require at least two bids. The Somerset board had budgeted this amount for legal services in the fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Inspector General officials noted, “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.” This statement underscores the gravity of the violations.

Legal and Procedural Breaches Identified

The report outlined that the board’s actions were not only legally questionable but also inconsistent with its own hiring policies. Somerset’s regulations require that any vacancy for legal counsel be publicly advertised, qualifications be solicited from interested firms, and a selection committee conduct interviews. Instead, the board opted for a closed session vote on February 13, 2025, to terminate its existing legal counsel and immediately hire a new firm. This expedited process ignored the established timeline and protocols meant to ensure transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, the board has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its financial management practices. An October 2025 report from the Maryland Office of Legislative Audits highlighted several unresolved issues that date back over a decade, including a lack of written contracts, inadequate purchasing oversight, and unsupported vendor payments. Auditors emphasized that the district’s procurement policies remain outdated, incomplete, and inconsistent with state law, despite prior commitments to reform.

Ongoing Tensions and Future Implications

The Somerset County School Board has also been embroiled in conflicts with its former superintendent, Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell. Earlier this year, the board voted to terminate her, but this action was stayed by State Superintendent Carey M. Wright while an appeal was pending. 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 regarding the board’s hiring practices for its legal counsel. Local boards are permitted to select their attorneys, but they must comply with Maryland’s procurement statutes. The report did not indicate when its findings would be discussed with the General Assembly or the State Superintendent.

In an alarming statistic, Somerset County ranked second-to-last in the state in this year’s Maryland Report Card, achieving a score of 46.5, a slight decrease from 47.16 the previous year. Only Baltimore City performed worse, scoring 44.99. This ranking is based on a variety of factors, including standardized test scores, curriculum effectiveness, attendance, graduation rates, and feedback from students and educators.

The ongoing issues within the Somerset County School Board reflect a broader challenge in achieving effective governance and accountability in public education. The implications of this report could lead to significant changes in how the board operates and manages its legal and financial affairs moving forward.