Legislation to expand inspector general oversight of Baltimore County schools introduced in Maryland
A group of Maryland lawmakers introduced legislation Thursday to expand the inspector general's oversight of Baltimore County Public Schools.
The measure comes after the Baltimore County Council passed a resolution in September, pushing the Maryland General Assembly to allow the inspector general to review the school district for waste and fraud. The measure passed in a 6 to 1 vote.
"It creates the legal pathway for the council, your local elected representatives, to study the issue, hear from the public, and make an informed decision about whether such oversight is appropriate," Sen. Carl Jackson said.
During the news conference, Sen. Jackson and Del. Ryan Nawrocki submitted the legislation for the 2026 legislative session, which begins on January 14. Once the session begins, lawmakers will hold hearings and public testimony on the legislation.
"This bill gives the County Council the authority it has requested to strengthen oversight at BCPS and better protect the public's trust," Sen. Jackson said.
According to the lawmakers, the legislation will strengthen accountability and transparency within the school district and will grant the council's request.
"Accountability and transparency are not partisan issues," Del. Nawrocki said. "The calls from the community were clear, and we're taking action to prevent waste and ensure trust in local government."
Oversight in Baltimore County schools
According to Sen. Jackson, the Baltimore County school system is the third largest in Maryland, has more than 100,000 students and manages "a significant share of our county's tax dollars."
"Despite its size and importance, our school system currently operates without the kind of independent oversight that many of our peer jurisdictions already have in place," Sen. Jackson said.
During a council meeting in September, Councilman David Marks described the school district's Office of Internal Audits as "not truly dependent."
According to a spokesperson for the district, the office reports to the county's Board of Education.
"This enabling bill ensures that the County Council, representing the people who fund our schools and send their children to them, has the legal ability to evaluate oversight options, compare models from across the state, and determine what system best serves the interests of Baltimore County students, families, educators, and taxpayers," Sen. Jackson said.