You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who completely agrees the recommendations of the HoCo School Board Advisory Commission. Some like the idea of electing board members by council district but dislike the thought of having two members appointed by the county executive. Some, including at least one member of the commission, think that the recommendations, for what amounts to a wholesale restructuring of the board, were made in haste. The commission was empanelled on August 9th and issued their final report last week.
However you feel, you best get comfortable with it. This is going to happen.
Of course it will first need to be approved by the General Assembly but that will be a lot easier than if it had to be approved by HoCo voters. Delegate Frank Turner is drafting the necessary legislation in hopes that it will be considered during the upcoming special session. The HoCo Delegation will need to get behind it as well but that doesn’t seem too much of a hurdle. The delegation is led by Guy Guzzone, a longtime Ulman ally. Guy was also an ex officio member of the commission along with Senator Jim Robey.
The question really is more of when these changes will be implemented not if. Senator Ed Kasemyer believes that the special session will limit itself to redistricting. If that holds true the school board changes would have to wait until the 2014 election cycle as opposed to 2012.
On the other hand this initiative started with a full head of steam and has only gatherered momentum as it progressed. According to this story by Lindsey McPherson in Explore Howard, the exec “is hoping the General Assembly will consider any changes during its special session in October so that changes can take effect in time for the 2012 election.”
“Ulman said communication between the leadership and the delegation "indicates that there is an openness to consider bills having nexus with the upcoming election.”
Ken doesn't want any moss to grow on this bill.
