MarylandHB 14282026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Somerset County Board of Education - Alterations

Sponsored By: H. Kevin Anderson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Education - Local BillsCommittee ChangesCounty CommissionersEducation, Boards ofElectionsEmergency BillsLocal Government MandatesMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentOpen GovernmentPublic InformationPublic Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesScholarships and Student Financial AidSecondary Schools -see also- Private Schools; Public SchSomerset CountyStudentsTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Higher pay and expenses for school board

The county school board chair gets $6,000 a year. Each nonstudent board member gets $5,000 a year. Members are reimbursed for official travel outside Somerset County. Each covered member also gets $500 per year for in-county official expenses. For current members, the new pay starts with the next term. It applies right away to anyone appointed or elected on or after April 14, 2026 to fill a partial term.

Public votes and limited closed sessions

The school board must take final actions at public meetings, unless state law allows a closed session. The board must keep a formal record of each public meeting. Any closed-session action must follow Maryland’s Section 3-305 rules.

Student seats on Somerset school board

Each public high school has one nonvoting 12th-grade student on the county school board. The student is elected by that high school’s students under school system rules. The term is 1 year, starting July 1. The student may join a closed session only if a majority of the board invites them.

New rules for board seats and vacancies

A district board member must live in the district they represent. Candidates must be registered voters of Somerset County. A member who moves out of their district cannot keep serving. Members (not students) serve 4-year terms starting January 1 after the election, with staggered terms set by law. If a seat opens, the Somerset County Commissioners appoint a qualified person to serve the rest of the term until a successor is elected and qualifies.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

H. Kevin Anderson
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 176 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/23/2026